A cluster of meiningococcal infections have been reported in Orange County and more recently in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angles County. What does that mean for us? and should you be concerned?
Meningococcal disease can look just like the "flu" with fever, malaise, sore throat, muscle aching, etc. However, in the presence of these recently reported cases, if any of these symptoms are more severe than usual, or are associated with an unusually severe headache, stiffneck, and/or rash, it may signal infection with the meningococcus. You should call your doctor immediately because it is the delay in treatment that may lead to irreversible consequences including death. However, safe and effective treatment exists, and can lead to complete cure and recovery. So stay informed.
Most cases of infection occur in youngsters and young adults (most are under 20 years of age and 1/2 of these cases are in children under 5 years old. As is the case currently, winter and spring are when the highest rates of infection occur. Symptoms typically start 3-4 days after exposure. For those concerned about possible exposure, call your doctor. He will likely want to swab your throat for a culture. He may also consider treating you with antibiotics specifically to eradicate the organism or preventing it from establishing itself in your nose or throat. This is the first step in the development of disease.
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative bacteria of this disease is carried in the nose and throat of infected persons (and in 10-20% of healthy persons). From there it can disseminate causing a host of medical problems, many of which are life threatening. These may include septicemia (blood stream poisoning), meningitis, and shock. Carriers who may have no apparent illness may infect others with whom they have close contact through kissing sneezing or coughing in close quarters, sharing food or drinks, etc. Epidemic outbreaks generally occur when crowded conditions prevail. In the US, epidemics have occurred in newly introduced members of closed populations such as military recruits, board and care facilities, schools, etc.