| STANISLAUS
COUNTY – Dr. John Payne, Interim Public Health Officer for
Stanislaus County, is reminding Stanislaus County residents that the winter
months typically bring an increased number of meningococcal disease cases
to the area. Meningococcal cases can include meningitis (infection in the
brain and spinal canal), and meningococcemia (infection in the blood stream).
According to Payne, "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."
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency / Public Health Communicable
Diseases Department has received reports of 10 cases of meningococcal
disease from December 1999 through January 2000. In 1999, the total number
of reported cases were seventeen, while in 1998 there were eighteen reported
cases. The incidence of meningococcal disease generally peaks in the winter
months.
"The impact of the disease is very serious resulting in one or two
deaths each year in Stanislaus County," Payne stated. There has been
one reported meningitis death during the year 2000 in Stanislaus County.
Other problems resulting from meningitis can include deafness, central
nervous system damage and loss of limbs.
Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, vomiting, headache, stiff neck,
extreme sleepiness, confusion and irritability. Meningococcemia symptoms
often include symptoms like a severe flu with a rash beginning as a smooth
red area followed by small red blotches due to bleeding under the skin.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If you suspect symptoms
of meningococcal disease seek medical care immediately.
The bacteria are passed only by direct and close contact with secretions
of the nose and throat of someone that is infected or is carrying the
bacteria. Some healthy people carry this bacteria in the back of the nose
or throat, but they may pass the disease on to others. Disease usually
develops within 10 days of exposure.
The Stanislaus County Public Health Department encourages anyone who
feels they may have been exposed to meningococcal disease to contact their
primary care provider or the Public Health Department Communicable Disease
Hotline at (209) 558-5678. You can also find information on meningococcal
disease at the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency web site at www.schsa.org
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