Apr 23, 2009 9:58 pm US/Eastern
Four Dead From Rare Meningitis Strain
Eight Others Infected
With Early Detection It Can Be Treated With Antibiotics
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
As word of the meningitis scare circulates, parents in south Florida are taking notice; four people have died from bacterial meningitis.
The disease is an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Health officials say it is spread by coughing, sneezing and even kissing. The symptoms are fever, tiredness, irritability, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, body rash and seizures.
According to the Miami-Dade Health Department, eight others are being treated for the rare strain of meningococcal disease. This includes a five year-old child.
Wednesday afternoon the health department announced two of the deaths were Miami-Dade residents. One victim was 21-years-old, the other was 85. The third death was a vacationing woman who died in Miami Beach. Jade Thomas, 26, was a British teacher who died at Mount Sinai hospital during her vacation over Easter Break. A Facebook page set up in honor of her memory has more than one thousand members, describing her as an inspiring teacher, aunt, and friend. A fourth loss to the strain of disease was an adult in Broward County. All of the deaths occurred in the last six months.
"Unfortunately it can become very serious over a matter of hours," said Dr. Vincent Conte with the Miami-Dade Health Department. "Even once treatment is begun, if the disease is advanced enough, once treatment is begun it's still not enough."
CBS4 News talked with the Cruz family in Pompano Beach. They were quite familiar with the meningitis scare. Lizbeth Cruz says she worries about her five year old brother. "He's gotten immunizations but I want to make sure he's up to date," said Cruz.
Pediatrician John Wright of Holy Cross Hospital says he's recommending patients from 2 to 55 years old be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.
The vaccine known as Menactra is usually covered by health insurance. College freshmen living in dormitories are considered at higher risk, along with U.S. military personnel, for getting meningitis.
Dr. Wright says he's not sure if this outbreak is the beginning or end of the scare, but the vaccine can provide some peace of mind.
It's also a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water often or use antibacterial lotions.
CBS4's Natalia Zea Contributed To This Report
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