Letter to the Editor of Modesto Bee

Your recent article on the tragic death of Shannon San Nicolas from meningococcal meningitis (front page, May 23) relayed important information to the community on signs and symptoms of this sometimes fatal disease. We thank you for helping us at the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency get this important information out to the public.

There are ordinarily between 15 and 20 cases of meningococcal meningitis in Stanislaus County each year. Tragically, there can be several deaths from this dangerous disease. We are through our peak meningitis season of January and February where we saw 10 cases in the county, and we are now seeing only sporadic cases.

We would like to correct some information from the article. It stated that county health officials are "alarmed at the high number of cases" seen this year. We did not say that. We are seeing a normal number of cases this year. We are concerned about every case of meningitis because the disease is so serious.

Meningitis is a serious disease and information is critical. People with questions about meningitis can contact a physician, call the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency communicable disease nurses at 558-5678 or visit our Web site (www.schsa.org) for meningitis health information and resources.

John Payne, M.D.

Interim Public Health Officer

Stanislaus County Health Services Agency

May 23