Early last week, state public health nurses in Craig reported a confirmed case of bacterial meningococcal infection in a Craig teenager. The youth was hospitalized on May 1, and since then has improved because of rapid diagnosis and treatment.
So far there has been one other possible case, and that person has been medically transported for further treatment. Employees at the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Alicia Roberts Medical Center, the Craig Public Health Center, the PeaceHealth Craig Clinic and the Alaska Section of Epidemiology have notified and treated more than 35 people who had close contact with the infected youth.
Even though there has been one confirmed and one possible case of bacterial meningococcal infection in Craig, it should be safe for people to have casual contact with each other and for students to attend school. Bacterial meningococcal infections are rare, and usually only are found in people who have had close contact with someone else with the infection. Close contact means people living in the same household, or people who have shared saliva or other bodily fluids through kissing or by sharing drinks, cigarettes, pipes, needles or other objects. Casual contact at school, local businesses and other people’s homes is not considered close contact.
A bacterial meningococcal infection can be quite serious, and potentially deadly, so people should remain alert to the symptoms — fever, severe sudden headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, pain in the shoulders and back, and/or a red pinpoint rash. High fever and irritability are symptoms found in very young children. Symptoms may appear within one to 10 days of exposure, and usually appear within the first three to four days. An infection usually is more severe than viral meningitis, which has similar symptoms. If not treated in time, infections can lead to severe brain damage, hearing loss, the amputation of fingers and toes, and even death.
Certain antibiotics are very effective in treating bacterial meningococcal infections, and the earlier the infection is diagnosed and treated the better. There also is a vaccine available through the state’s Vaccines for Children program that can prevent the disease.
Anybody experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment.
Comments (3)
Add commentBacterial Meningitis Case: Don't Wait - Vaccinate
As a parent who lost her son to this disease, not knowing that a vaccine could have saved his life, I urge all parents to be aware of the CDC recommendations. The CDC calls for routine vaccination for all 11-18 year olds, preferably at 11-12, followed by a booster dose in five years. Everyone should be vaccinated before starting college. No parent should lose a child to a potentially vaccine-preventable disease. My life has been forever changed, and I started the National Meningitis Association to prevent families from this tragedy.
Heartfelt Sympathies
Dear NMAtweets,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I commend you for going out and trying to spread much needed information to others.
Had no idea
Thank you NMAtweets. I had no idea, I have 3 teenagers, 14, 16, 17 and knowing that there is a vaccination, I will read up on it more and see if it something I should do for my kids. I'm so sorry for your loss.
To the family in Craig, our prayers are with all of you for a speedy recovery!