Health Dept. Reports Bacterial Meningitis Case

Press Release

February 6, 2009

Health Dept. Reports Bacterial Meningitis Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Ann-Gayl Ellis
Public Information Officer (352) 540-6817/(352) 279-1949
February 6, 2009

Health Department Investigates Case of Bacterial Meningitis

Brooksville- The Hernando County Health Department has received confirmation that a local seventh grader has tested positive for Neisseria meningitis. The child is being treated and family members and other close personal contacts have been given preventative medication so they don’t become ill. Education officials are working to notify employees and parents of students who attend the child’s school and provide them with information about the disease.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Bacterial meningitis is spread primarily through intimate contact such as kissing, mouth to mouth resuscitation or sharing eating and drinking utensils. It is sensitive to drying and cooling and rarely survives outside the body for more than a few minutes.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include intense headache, fever, nausea and stiff neck, loss of appetite, progressive drowsiness, vomiting, rash and in severe cases, delirium and coma can occur. Individuals who exhibit these symptoms should contact their health care provider.

Each year, many middle school, high school and college bound students receive the Meningococcal vaccine to decrease their risk of contracting meningitis. The Hernando County Health Department can provide this vaccine to children 18 years and younger free through the Vaccines for Children program.

For additional information about Neisseria meningitis, contact the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6800 (ext: 82197) or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website at www.cdc.gov.