March 16, 2008

Meningococcal Disease Diagnosed in Levittown Resident

A 58-year old Levittown man died from probable meningococcal meningitis on Saturday. After several days of feeling ill, the individual left work early Friday afternoon to rest and was found unconscious at home and transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he died Saturday. Also on Friday, Nassau County Department of Health was informed by New York State Department of Health that a 18 year old Westbury resident, who attended SUNY-Oswego, died of suspect meningococcal disease. The two cases do not appear to be linked together or to any recent cases in the area. This is the 4th case of meningococcal disease reported in a Nassau County resident since January.

The individual was a machine mechanic at Kozy Shack Foods in Hicksville.  Nassau County Department of Health is working to identify close contacts and advise them of the need for preventive treatment. Only individuals who shared food, drink, eating utensils or a beverage container, or exchanged oral secretions or had any similar exposure with the individual between March 5th and March 15th, 2008, should contact their health care provider immediately to receive the preventive treatment. All members of the individual's family have received the preventive treatment. Meningitis is not food borne and is not spread by casual contact such as being in the same office or similar setting.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection of the bloodstream or meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the meningococcus germ. The disease is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and rash and appear most often within five days after exposure, but can appear anytime between two and ten days. Individuals who think they have symptoms suggestive of the disease should contact their health care providers immediately.