Emergency Procedures

On April 9, 2008, North Central District Health Department received notification of a suspected case of bacterial meningitis in a University of Idaho student. For public health issues, the university responds on a case-by-case basis and is guided by confirmation of a diagnosis (through the County Health Department) and recommended or precautionary measures. Laboratory tests on April 11 confirmed the diagnosis (see below).

The university’s Dean of Students Office acted quickly once the suspected case was reported and:

1. reached out to those who had direct or close contact with the student.
2. gave those individuals information about bacterial meningitis (public health information) and based upon that information, individuals made their own choice about whether or not to be vaccinated as a precaution
3. reached out confidentially to the student’s instructors with public health information about bacterial meningitis

April 11, 2008

NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE: Bacterial Meningitis Confirmed in a University of Idaho Student Contact: Staff Epidemiologist Donna Anderson, RN, (208) 799-3100

North Central District Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of bacterial meningitis in the previously suspected case in a University of Idaho student. NCDHD is continuing to work with officials from the university to identify close contacts of the ill student who may benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis. Transmission occurs by droplets or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. The student is considered communicable from March 26 through April 9. The time from exposure to signs and symptoms for this bacterial illness usually is 3-4 days with a range of 2-10 days.

Those considered close contacts include household members, people socially close enough to have shared saliva (eating utensils, cigarettes, food) and/or anyone directly exposed to nasopharyngeal secretions from the students.

Early treatment with antibiotics may effectively get rid of the bacteria. The risk to the general public of contracting this infection is very low.

Symptoms associated with bacterial meningococcal infections may include: fever, severe headache, chills, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, joint or muscle pain and sometimes a red or purple rash. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

There are two vaccines against N. meningitides available in the U.S. Vaccination is recommended for all children 11-18 years old, ideally at their routine preadolescent visit (11 to 12 years of age). Other people at increased risk for whom routine vaccination is recommended include college freshman living in dormitories.

Good hygiene is important to control the spread of the disease. Children and adults should cover both mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and wash hands thoroughly and dispose of used tissues. Sharing common items such as eating utensils and drinking cups should be avoided.

Bacterial meningococcal infections are rare and can cause infection of the lining of the brain, spinal cord and blood. In the State of Idaho, there are between 10-20 cases reported each year.