Meningitis Causes Death Of Student And Counselor In New York

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Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience;  Public Health
Article Date: 26 Jan 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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A guidance counselor of a school in Queens, as well as a student in Massapequa, Long Island, have both died as a result of meningitis - both in the same week. According to authorities, the guidance counselor worked at the Saint Francis Preparatory High School, Fresh Meadow.

Officials are currently trying to track and meet anybody who has had contact with the counselor who died - meningitis can be passed on to another person if there is close contact.

The high school student was called Michael Gruger, he was 17. Authorities say he died from bacterial meningitis. Last Wednesday evening he had flu-like symptoms and went to bed. On Thursday morning his condition was such that he had to be hospitalized - he died that same day in the afternoon. This is the first meningococcal meningitis death in Nassau County since 2004, according to officials.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.

How can you become ill with meningitis?

-- Meningitis may be caused by many different viruses and bacteria, or by diseases that cause inflammation of tissues of the body without infection.

-- In meningococcal meningitis, (also known as cerebrospinal fever and spotted fever), the symptoms may appear suddenly causing widespread infection and blood poisoning (septicemia), and can be rapidly fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly in hospital

-- In meningococcal meningitis, there can be a characteristic rash of red or brownish pin prick spots caused by blood under the skin (hemorrhagic rash) which can develop into purple bruises and blood blisters.

Glass tumbler test for hemorrhagic rash

If a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against this hemorrhagic rash, the rash will not fade; it will remain visible through the glass. If this happens you should seek medical advice immediately.

How serious is Meningitis?

-- Meningitis is very serious and can be life-threatening.

-- Symptoms of meningitis may appear abruptly.

-- Symptoms often include high fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting.

-- Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty waking up are extremely important symptoms and may require emergency treatment.

-- In infants, symptoms of meningitis may include irritability or tiredness, poor feeding and fever.

How long does Meningitis last?

This will vary depending on the type of meningitis, certain bacterial forms being the most severe.

How is Meningitis treated?

-- If meningitis is suspected, medical advice should be sought immediately. Because some of the early symptoms might be similar to other conditions, a high level of suspicion is required, especially with children.

-- Prevention is better than cure! Effective vaccines are now available against some types of meningitis.

-- Individuals with bacterial meningitis are hospitalized and treated with antibiotics given directly into a vein, in order to achieve the rapid high blood and tissue levels of antibiotic that this life-threatening condition requires.

-- People with viral meningitis may not require specific treatment, but they are usually observed in a hospital and examined to ensure they do not have bacterial meningitis.

Other medicines used to control the symptoms may include:

-- Anticonvulsant medications to prevent or treat seizures.

-- Corticosteroid drugs to reduce brain swelling and inflammation.

-- Sedative drugs for irritability or restlessness.

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today