Three pupils hospitalised in viral meningitis outbreak in El Hierro

Health officials have confirmed three cases of viral meningitis linked to pupils at CEIP Tigaday in La Frontera, El Hierro. All of those affected are boys, aged three, six and seven.

All three were admitted to hospital and were reported to be making a favourable recovery. At the latest update on Wednesday, 21st October, two had been discharged and the third remained in hospital.

The first child developed symptoms early in October and the most recent confirmed case began showing symptoms in the middle of the month. Public Health has started monitoring possible contacts and alerted local healthcare professionals to watch for compatible symptoms.

As a precaution, first and second-year primary classes at the school have moved to online teaching. Public Health has also advised families in La Frontera to avoid shared spaces where children may gather while measures are in place.

The outbreak is caused by enterovirus. Health officials say viral meningitis generally has a favourable outcome. They list sudden fever, severe headache and a stiff neck among possible symptoms.

Sanidad recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water. It says alcohol-based hand gel should not replace washing because enteroviruses are resistant to alcohol. Families should follow the advice of health professionals if a child becomes unwell.