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Media Contact: Brian Todd, Metro Public Health
Department, 340-2153
Metro Public Health Department Answers Questions from Parents about
Meningococcal Infection
Health Department Identifies and Treats Four Close School Contacts
NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 14, 2008 -- Metro Public Health Department disease
investigators and staff continued their investigation of a suspected fatal case
of Meningococcal infection in a student at Margaret Allen Middle School. Health
Department staff met with more than 50 people today to answer questions about
Meningococcal infection. The Health Department’s disease investigators
identified and provided preventative treatment to four children at the school.
The Health Department staff will be available at the school again tomorrow to
answer questions.
The Metro Public Health Department yesterday began investigating a fatal case of
suspected Meningococcal infection in a 10 year old student at Margaret Allen
Middle School.
The Health Department and Metro Davidson County Public Schools yesterday sent a
letter home with students at the school this afternoon to notify parents about
the suspected infection.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but often serious bacterial infection. High
fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms. These symptoms can develop
over several hours, or they may take one or two days.
It is possible for the bacteria that cause meningococcal infection to spread
from person to person through saliva-sharing contact such as kissing, coughing
or sneezing directly in the face, or sharing utensils.
The Meningococcal bacteria are not as easy to catch as viruses that cause the
common cold or the flu. These bacteria do not live on surfaces and they are not
spread by breathing the air where a person with the illness has been or by
sitting in the same classroom or bus.
Medication to reduce the chances of infection is recommended only for people who
have had saliva-sharing contact. This includes family members and other close
contacts that might share food, beverages, or eating utensils.
Metro Public Health Department staff members are conducting an investigation to
identify if there are those who would require the medication.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, common sense should be used.
Frequent hand washing is important. Cover nose and mouth with tissues when
coughing or sneezing. Avoid sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, cups,
drinking glasses, or water bottles.
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