Jasper County Health Department offers advice on Neisseria Meningitis after confirmed case

(From the Jasper County Health Department)

We are currently following up on ONE lab-confirmed case of Neisseria Meningitis.

Close contacts to index case have been notified with recommendation to follow up with primary care physician for prophylaxis antibiotic. DO NOT GO TO THE ER SEEKING ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS.

Monitor for symptoms; seek testing immediately if symptoms present; person with symptoms should wear a mask while waiting on testing.

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). 

Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. 

Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been.