In light of the recent case of meningococcal meningitis that
infected an
Meningococcal or bacterial meningitis is usually spread through nose and/or throat secretions such as saliva. For example any of the following activities cause the exchange of saliva between people and can transmit bacterial meningitis germs:
The Auburn High student along with players and staff of the football team were treated with the drug rifampin as a preventive measure by Dr Henry Romano, school district physician. No other cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported to the health department.
The student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis was most likely contagious from August 20th through September 4th when ge became ill. In addition he attended a party on Saturday evening August 31st. If anyone had contact with the student in any of the ways mentioned above during that period, that person should contact their personal physcian for medical advice. If a physician is unavailable that person may contact the Health Department at 253 1301.
"With meningocci we must be concerned with family and friends who have had close contact that may have spread saliva or spit from the infected person," says Health Department physician and Auburn pediatrician Dr Phillip C Gioia. "Meningoccal meningitis is a relatively rare disease which usually occurs as a single isolated event but care should be take to prevent and/or treat early any possible cases from close contact exposure."
Dr Romano indicated that students who were in the same classes as the student and lacked the saliva contacts noted above were not at increased risk.
Cayuga County Health Department officials, Dr Romano, and Dr Gioia want to remind all residents and especially parents to be on the lookout for the symptoms of bacterial meningitis: a severe stiff neck keeping the patient from touching the chin to the chest due to pain at the back of the neck. Severe blood stream infections which cause bleeding under the skin must also be detected and treated early. This causes red or purple spots in the skin that fail to fade when pressed on or when the skin is stretched out. If the bacterial meningitis or the blood stream infections are found early and treated the patient usually does well, if found or treated late the disease may be fatal or cause permanent damage.
"While anyone can get meningitis or severe blood stream infections, children less than 6 years old and the elderly are at most risk," says Dr Gioia. "People with poor immune systems; such as persons with transplants, or on chemotherapy, or on high dose prednisone, or without spleens, or with cigarette smoking, or with alcohol use, or with AIDS; are also at increased risk for these diseases.
William L Catto, PE, Public Health Director for
"Residents can call 253 1301 if they suspect that they have had contact with the student between August 20th and September 4th," Mr Catto said. He indicated that residents concerned with potential exposure should contact their physician and/or the Health Department.
Dr Romano indicated Friday that the ill student is recovering well.
About 2 weeks previously there was a case of viral meningitis in a baby.
This case is unrelated to the case of meningococcal meningitis in the student
at
In 2001 meningococcal vaccine is recommended for college freshmen living in dormitories, for travelers over 6 months old to high risk areas, and for long lasting or large outbreaks for types A, C, Y or W-135.
Phillip C Gioia, MD, MPH (drgioia@verizon.net)Secure e-mail www.RelayHealth.com for private messaging