The Georgia Public Health Laboratory has confirmed a third case of Neisseria meningitis (meningococcal meningitis) in Lowndes County. All appropriate contacts have been treated with preventive medications.

The initial case was a 24 year old female diagnosed in early March, who has recovered and been discharged from the hospital. The second case was a young child who died shortly after admission to the hospital in early March. The third case is a young child who is currently recovering and should be home soon.

Public Health has investigated all three cases and has found no common links between the three. The best way to prevent this type of meningitis is to receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, stated Lynne Feldman, M.D., District Health Director. Parents or care givers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, but the most important thing is to talk to your health care provider about receiving the vaccine to reduce the risk of disease.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial illness, which is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and children in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is spread through saliva droplets and direct contact with someone who is infected.
Symptoms of meningitis appear suddenly and often include high fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff neck, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty waking up may also occur. Prompt medical attention is required when symptoms of meningitis are present because this illness can become very serious quickly.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen. College freshmen who live in dormitories and teenagers have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is available for persons 2 through 55 years of age. The vaccine provides excellent immunity and should be considered for those that are eligible, stated Feldman. In addition, meningococcal vaccine is specifically recommended for:
Pre-adolescent children at 11-12 years of age.
Teenagers and young adults who did not get the vaccine at 11-12 years of age.
College freshmen living in dormitories.
U.S. military recruits.
Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as Africa.
Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed.
Anyone who has an immune system disorder, such as organ transplant recipients and persons on chemotherapy.

In order to make the vaccine more available, the Lowndes County Health Department (CHD) will wave the administration fee and offer the vaccine to children ages 2 to 18, who are not eligible for the Vaccines for Children program and live in the city of Valdosta, a reduced cost of $99 until October 15. These individuals may check with their insurance provider for coverage.

Children ages 2 to 18 who are eligible for Vaccines for Children and live in the city of Valdosta will receive the vaccine for no charge until October 15 at Lowndes CHD. The health department is located at 206 South Patterson Street in Downtown Valdosta. The vaccine will also be available through private physicians.

For more information on meningococcal disease visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov, the Georgia Division of Public Health at http://health.state.ga.us or South Health District at www.southhealthdistrict.com.