4/8/2008 8:56:00 AM Bacterial meningitis is in Houston County
In the last five weeks, there has been a cluster of bacterial meningitis cases in and around Houston County. This past weekend the fourth case was diagnosed. The first three have been confirmed by the state to be closely related by serotype. Confirmation of the fourth case's serotype is not yet complete. The Minnesota Department of Health has been working closely with local public health officials and the school district to protect the health of the community. Ages of the individuals affected range from 16 years old to 37 years old.
There is a vaccine against bacterial meningitis but it does not protect against the specific serotype that has been identified in the cases in this cluster. Current immunization guidelines for Meningitis do call for children from 11 to 18 years old to be immunized with the Meningitis vaccine.
Because there is no vaccine to protect against the current serotype that has been identified in our county, it is very important to practice prevention through simple infection control practices. The most effective way to prevent the spread of meningitis and many other infections is conscientious and consistent hand washing. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also very effective. Since the bacteria that causes bacterial meningitis or meningococcal disease is spread through the sharing of oral secretions, it is also very important that individuals do not share lip gloss, cigarettes, and eating or drinking utensils (pop cans/bottles, water bottles, straws, cups, etc.). Kissing can also spread the bacteria.
It is important that the public is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and contact their local provider immediately if they have them. Signs and symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, or the development of a dark purple rash. These symptoms at first may appear similar to other illnesses such as the flu, but the symptoms progress rapidly and persons with meningococcal disease can become seriously ill 12 to 24 hours after symptoms start.
For more information you may call Houston County Public Health at (507) 725-5810, or check the Houston County Web site at www.houstoncounty.govoffice2.com, click on the County Offices and Departments section left side of screen and scroll down to click on Public Health.
There is also information on meningococcal disease on the MN Department of Health Web site at www.health.state.mn.us or you may call the state health department at (651) 201-5414 or toll-free at (877) 676-5414.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Article comment by:
Jamie Callahan
The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives.
Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities. Complications from bacterial meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs.
MFA has many spokespersons available and would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson please call Jamie Callahan, General Manager of the MFA. A MFA press kit and, for television producers, b-roll footage is available upon request. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. Thus making it difficult to identify your drink. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com
Thank you,
Ms. Jamie Callahan, General Manager
Meningitis Foundation of America
212 W 10th Street, Suite B-330.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(800) 668-1129 ext.7
jcallahan@musa.org
and
Caroline L. Petrie
MFA National Secretary
Posted: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Article comment by:
Janet Evans
My heart goes out to yet another family who has lost a precious loved one from bacterial meningitis. I am one of three families in Cedar Rapids, IA who have lost their children within the past four years to this deadly disease. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can also lead to sepsis (blood poisoning). We knew little about meningitis and were not aware that a vaccine was available to help protect our children. This illness mimics the flu and even fools the doctors into a false diagnosis until it is too late. Our children died within 15 hours of the first flu-like symptoms. Families need to be educated on the risks, symptoms and prevention methods. Minutes count so it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately to save the life of your child. Early signs are: fever, leg pain, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin color. Classic signs are: headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, fever, vomiting and a rash. Survivors can have long term disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputations. Adolescents and young adults have an increased risk of contracting this disease due to lifestyle factors. Since the bacteria is spread through air droplets and direct contact with someone who is infected (15% of the population can be carriers), this age group is more susceptible from sharing items by mouth (water bottles, cigarettes, lip balm, eating utensils, kissing, etc.) Crowded living situations, such as dormitories and sleep away camps, add to the risk. A new vaccine (Menactra) protects against four of the five strains and has been recommended by the CDC beginning at age 11 through the college years. Our children died from a vaccine preventable disease. Parents, please don’t wait – vaccinate your children. Visit www.nmaus.org or www.musa.org for valuable information.
