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Source: http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090924/NEWS01/909240319/1010
Leon County Health Department confirms meningitis case
By Elizabeth M. Mack ? DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER ? September 24, 2009
The Leon County Health Department has confirmed another case of meningitis in the area.
The report, confirmed Wednesday, is a case of pneumococcal meningitis, which is a non-contagious form of the disease.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal.
This latest case is not connected to the recent death of Florida A&M University student Courtney Simms, according to Dr. Marjorie Kirsch, LCHD medical director. Simms contracted a different bacteria that caused a blood infection, but one that can still cause meningitis.
"People do not need to worry about being the next victim of meningitis," Kirsch said.
There are several different forms of meningitis. The case now reported in Tallahassee is from a germ that people often carry, Kirsch explained.
"(The bacteria that causes) pneumococcal meningitis is often found in the nose and throat of many healthy people," she said. "It's a common germ that can cause ear infection, sinus infection and pneumonia. It rarely causes serious problems, but sometimes it does."
In 2007 there was only one report in Leon County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Kirsch said the disease can be prevented with vaccination and maintaining a strong immune system.
Leon County Health Department confirms meningitis case
By Elizabeth M. Mack ? DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER ? September 24, 2009
The Leon County Health Department has confirmed another case of meningitis in the area.
The report, confirmed Wednesday, is a case of pneumococcal meningitis, which is a non-contagious form of the disease.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal.
This latest case is not connected to the recent death of Florida A&M University student Courtney Simms, according to Dr. Marjorie Kirsch, LCHD medical director. Simms contracted a different bacteria that caused a blood infection, but one that can still cause meningitis.
"People do not need to worry about being the next victim of meningitis," Kirsch said.
There are several different forms of meningitis. The case now reported in Tallahassee is from a germ that people often carry, Kirsch explained.
"(The bacteria that causes) pneumococcal meningitis is often found in the nose and throat of many healthy people," she said. "It's a common germ that can cause ear infection, sinus infection and pneumonia. It rarely causes serious problems, but sometimes it does."
In 2007 there was only one report in Leon County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Kirsch said the disease can be prevented with vaccination and maintaining a strong immune system.