January 1, 2004


Santa Clara Public Health Officials investigate cases of Bacterial Meningitis

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is currently investigating three cases of bacterial meningitis. The first case is a five-year old child who died of the disease. The second and third cases are a 32-year old mother and her 10-year old child. The 10-year old has fully recovered and the 32-year old mother is hospitalized and in good condition. All three cases were reported to the Public Health Department last week.

In addition to the three cases currently under investigation, Santa Clara County has previously reported two cases of bacterial meningitis in 2003. In 2002, nine cases of bacterial meningitis were reported to the state and no deaths were attributed to the disease.

Public Health’s Disease Control & Prevention staff has followed up with those individuals in close contact to these cases. Antibiotics were recommended to all individuals who may have come in contact with the oral secretions of any of the cases. Antibiotics were distributed by the Public Health Department or through the individual’s health provider.

Meningitis, which is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord, is not easily transmitted. It is spread by fairly intimate contact such as kissing, or sharing utensils and water bottles. High fever, headache and stiff neck are the most common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over two years of age. These symptoms can develop quickly over several hours, or can take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort when looking at bright lights, confusion, sleepiness, or a purplish rash. In newborns and small infants, the common symptoms may be absent or difficult to detect. The infant may appear slow or inactive, or be irritable, have vomiting or be feeding poorly.

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If someone has symptoms they should see a doctor immediately. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important to start the treatment early in the course of the disease. For more information regarding meningitis, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or the Division of Communicable Disease Control of the California Department of Health Services at www.dhs.c.gov.