Single case of Meningococcal disease reported in Warren County
Warren County is reporting a case of a disease that can lead to meningitis.
The Warren County Health District was notified March 15 of a resident in the county who had been diagnosed with Meningococcal disease.
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The disease is a type of bacterial infection caused by a germ called Neisseria meningitidis. The germ has the potential of being life threatening or causing long-term problems, according to spokesperson for the Warren County Heath District.
Invasive Meningococcal infections most commonly cause meningitis. Less commonly, the germ can cause causes conjunctivitis, pneumonia, occult bacteremia (blood infection), septic arthritis or chronic meningococcemia.
Neisseria meningitidis can be found in an infected person’s nose and mouth.
Symptoms of the disease are non-specific, but may include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights, nausea and/or vomiting.
The health district has notified high-risk close contacts of the infected person.
Officials said routine vaccinations for meningococcal disease typically happens for adolescents aged 11-12 and a booster at ages 16-18 years. A person can check with their physician to confirm if they’ve been vaccinated. If not, vaccines are available through the Warren County Health District.
