558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
Another case of invasive Meningococcal Disease, the fifth case in the past 10 months, has hit Crook County, this time in an infant less than six months of age, according to Karen Yeargain, Crook County Health Department communicable disease coordinator.
The infant is being treated at an area hospital and is listed in "fair" condition. Serogrouping to determine the strain of the bacteria causing the illness is pending with results expected by the middle of next week.
The Crook County Health Department has worked to identify persons in the family and medical settings who were close contacts during the infectious period, from Jan. 15 through 24 . Those people have been notified by the Health Department and preventative antibiotics provided to protect their health. Those identified as close contacts are not a risk to other people.
In the state of Oregon, an immunization for meningococcal disease is recommended for all children 11 through 18 years of age, college freshmen living in dorms, plus persons 2 - 55 years old with certain medical conditions. All local health departments are able to provide vaccine for persons in these categories.
There are licensed vaccines that cover ages nine months and up. Check with your medical provider to see if they have the vaccine available for your age group.
For those who cannot access the vaccine, either due to cost, lack of availability, or lack of a regular medical provider, the Crook County Health Department has a limited supply of meningococcal vaccine at a reduced cost. The vaccine we stock is available for persons none months through 55 years of age. Some people may qualify to receive the vaccine at no charge.
Meningococcal Disease is caused by a bacterium, neisseria meningitidis, that is present in the throat or nasal passages of about 15 to 25 percent of the general population at any given time without causing symptoms. Transmission of the meningococcal bacteria is through direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions of the infected person. In most instances, it does not cause a person to become ill. Occasionally, the bacteria cross the protective mucous membrane barrier and enter the bloodstream.
Factors for invasive meningococcal disease may include a recent upper respiratory illness, smoking, or exposure to second hand smoke. A compromised immune system can also contribute to a person being more susceptible. Some people become ill without any of these risk factors. When meningococcal strikes, illness is rapid and severe and can take the form of bloodstream infection, meningitis or pneumonia.
The first outward symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease may include fever, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, making it similar to other respiratory illnesses circulating this time of year. Later, as the person becomes very ill, they may develop decreased mental function or a purple rash on the skin.
"The disease causes tiny blood vessels to break on the surface of the skin and throughout the body", said Yeargain. "This is what causes the purple rash that appears, which is actually a bruising, and can cause damage to other organs and tissues, including kidney failure or the loss of limbs."
Prevention includes vaccination against the disease, avoiding being exposed to other peoples' nasal and throat secretions, avoidance of tobacco smoke either directly or secondhand, and washing hands after contact with surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets from other people.
For more information on receiving meningococcal vaccine, call the Health Department at 541-447-5165.
