STANISLAUS COUNTY COMMUNICABLE DISEASE INFORMATION
AND REPORTING LINE
209-558-5678
Links
to more meningitis sites
December and January appear to be the peak season for meningococcal
disease. Meningococcal disease includes a variety of serious infections,
including meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal
cord), bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), pneumonia (infection
of the lungs), and arthritis (swelling of the joints). Children
and young adults are most often affected by this disease.
Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency which requires prompt
treatment.
CAUSE: Neisseria meningitidis bacteria
SYMPTOMS:
Bacteremia- a sudden onset of
fever, chills, tiredness, sometimes a rash.
Meningitis- fever, vomiting,
headache, stiff neck, sleepiness, confusion, irritability and
sometimes a rash.
SPREAD: Through secretions of the nose
and throat (e.g., sharing eating utensils or kissing on the mouth
by direct exposure. People can carry this bacteria and not have
symptoms. They can spread the disease as well as those who are
ill.
INCUBATION: It takes 1 to 10 days,
usually less than 4 days, from the time a person is exposed to
the bacteria until symptoms occur.
CONTAGIOUS PERIOD: Until 24 hours after
effective antibiotic treatment begins.
PREVENTION/CONTROL: Household, daycare center, and nursery school
contacts should receive antibiotic prophylaxis as soon as possible.
Anyone who has had direct nasal or oral secretion contact, (e.g.
shared a pacifier or unprotected contact during endotracheal intubation
or mouth to mouth resuscitation) should also receive prophylaxis.
CONTACT YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER OR LOCAL COMMUNICABLE
DISEASE DEPARTMENT IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO MENINGOCOCCAL
DISEASE.
Below are some sites on the WWW selected by the HSA as being
worthwhile sources of information. They should NOT be relied upon
for personal diagnosis or treatment. These sites are provided
for general educational aid only, and should not be relied on
as a substitute for consultation with your physician. If you have
questions, please contact your healthcare provider. HSA does not
endorse any of these organizations. This list is not comprehensive.
Links to more meningitis sites
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