City
of Chicago Health Dept. Taking Action
to Thwart Cluster of Meningitis Cases
PRESS RELEASE: CHICAGO Department of Public Health
October 18, 2003
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has become aware of 6 cases (4 confirmed, 2 probable) of invasive meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis that can be rapidly fatal if not treated with antibiotics. It happens in two forms: meningitis and bloodstream infection.
Three of the 6 infected individuals have died. A fourth remains in critical condition.
Investigation is ongoing and information could change, but some common characteristics of the infected individuals have been identified. It appears that this cluster is centered among gay or bisexual men who have had close, direct contact with others in social settings on Chicago's North Side during the first two weeks of October.
The bacteria that cause this disease are spread by close, direct contact such as the following:
Ø Kissing the lips of another person
Ø Other direct contact with saliva (Sneezing or coughing directly in another person's face)
Ø Sharing items that have been in another person's mouth or nose such as
o beverage glasses
o cigarettes
o pipes
o drinking straws
o drug paraphernalia
o eating utensils (such as cups, spoons)
Ø Sexual contact
Illnesses almost always occur within 4 days of having been exposed to the bacteria, but sometimes it can take as long as 10 days for symptoms to develop.
Meningococcal disease usually starts with a sudden onset of fever and severe headache. A stiff neck may also develop, and rash often occurs. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur as well, but may not be a sign of meningococcal disease unless the other described symptoms are also present. Immediate medical treatment is needed for meningococcal disease—the condition can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Recommendations and current plans:
People with symptoms of meningococcal disease should get medical attention right away.
We continue to facilitate medication for close contacts of cases.
Medication is recommended for people who had close contact (as defined above) with a case within the 10 days before onset of illness in the case.