Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.heraldstaronline.com/ne...-disease-cases-confirmed-in-jefferson-county/
Two meningococcal disease cases confirmed in Jefferson County
Dec 7, 2023
CHRISTOPHER DACANAY
Staff writer
STEUBENVILLE — Two cases of bacterial meningococcal disease have been confirmed in the North and Northwest parts of Jefferson County, the Jefferson County General Health District said Wednesday.
The health department said it is investigating and awaiting final test results in both cases and another suspected case, which all occurred among children. Each child is receiving treatment with antibiotics, the health department said, and family members are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, antibiotic medication.
Health Commissioner Andrew Henry said the children being investigated do not attend the public school system, adding, “Parents who are concerned about their child’s possible exposure should rest assured that there was no school exposure.”...
...The health department received notice of the first confirmed case on Tuesday and the second on Wednesday, Henry said. All three cases being investigated were identified among the county’s Amish population. The population in question was noted to have spent a week together prior to the case’s confirmation.
The disease’s origin has not been identified by the health department nursing staff and medical director, who are investigating in collaboration with regional health care professionals, a regional epidemiologist and the Ohio Department of Health, Henry said. Investigation involves speaking with the children’s family members and health care professionals about the possible origin and prescribing future treatments and isolation or quarantine if necessary...
Two meningococcal disease cases confirmed in Jefferson County
Dec 7, 2023
CHRISTOPHER DACANAY
Staff writer
STEUBENVILLE — Two cases of bacterial meningococcal disease have been confirmed in the North and Northwest parts of Jefferson County, the Jefferson County General Health District said Wednesday.
The health department said it is investigating and awaiting final test results in both cases and another suspected case, which all occurred among children. Each child is receiving treatment with antibiotics, the health department said, and family members are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, antibiotic medication.
Health Commissioner Andrew Henry said the children being investigated do not attend the public school system, adding, “Parents who are concerned about their child’s possible exposure should rest assured that there was no school exposure.”...
...The health department received notice of the first confirmed case on Tuesday and the second on Wednesday, Henry said. All three cases being investigated were identified among the county’s Amish population. The population in question was noted to have spent a week together prior to the case’s confirmation.
The disease’s origin has not been identified by the health department nursing staff and medical director, who are investigating in collaboration with regional health care professionals, a regional epidemiologist and the Ohio Department of Health, Henry said. Investigation involves speaking with the children’s family members and health care professionals about the possible origin and prescribing future treatments and isolation or quarantine if necessary...