The winter season brings out many illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. One disease which people usually don't think about, but can be deadly, is meningitis.

Dr. John Payne, interim public health officer for Stanislaus County, is reminding residents that meningococcal diseases are more common during the winter months. Meningococcal cases can include meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal canal) and meningococcemia (infection in the blood stream).

"We have seen an increased number of meningococcal cases in Stanislaus County over the past thirty days, which is typical for this time of year. Families need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease," noted Payne.

Already from December of last year through this month so far, 10 cases of the diseases have been reported. In all of 1999, 17 cases were reported. "Were not in an epidemic" said David Jones, public information officer for the County Health Services Agency, "but we are elevated."

COULD LOSE LIMBS

Problems resulting from meningococcal diseases can be deafness, central nervous system damage and loss of limbs.

Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, extreme sleepiness, confusion and irritability. Meningoccemia symptoms include those of a severe flu, with a rash beginning as a smooth red area followed by small red blotches. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important in both cases.

The Stanislaus County Public Health Department urges anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to meningococcal disease to contact their primary care provider or the Public Health Department Communicable Disease Hotline at 558-5678.

Reprinted by permission of The Turlock Journal.