Re: NJ: Meningitis outbreak at Princeton University
NJ Department of Health
Vaccine Preventable Disease Program
Meningococcal Disease Frequently Asked Questions
June 11, 2013
OVERVIEW
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Is the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) considering there to be an outbreak of meningococcal disease at Princeton University? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Yes. As of June 11, there have been a total of four (4) cases of invasive meningococcal disease associated with Princeton University. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]. The first case was a female student who was away from campus for spring recess in [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]March and developed symptoms of meningitis when returning to the area and went directly to the hospital. This student has recovered. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The second case was a visitor on Princeton University campus from April 6-8, who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after returning to another state. This case is being followed by another state?s health department. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The third case is a male student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis on May 7. This student has recovered. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The most recent case is a male student who resides out of state. The case developed symptoms on May 19 on his way home for summer recess. This case has recovered. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The NJDOH, local health officials, and Princeton University Health Services (UHS), in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have worked together to identify close contacts, administer prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics to close contacts, and provide recommendations for appropriate public health measures. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]At this time, there are no recommendations to cancel any activities or scheduled events on the Princeton University Campus. There are also no recommendations for the surrounding community to avoid contact with Princeton or Princeton students. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Why is the NJDOH considering this an outbreak? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]For the purposes of this situation, and in consultation with the CDC, the NJDOH is considering this to be a school-based outbreak of meningococcal disease. Given that we have four identified cases diagnosed with the identical strain of [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Neisseria meningitidis [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]serogroup B in a short period of time, in an abundance of caution, we are considering this an outbreak. We hope that by [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]considering this an outbreak, we will increase awareness and prompt early case recognition among members of the Princeton community and healthcare providers. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Are there any additional recommendations now that this is being considered an outbreak? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]No. NJDOH continues to stress the same basic infection prevention activities. There are no additional recommendations. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]What type of bacteria is causing the infection? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]All four cases are caused by identical strains of [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Neisseria meningitidis [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]serogroup (type) B. This infection is also referred to as invasive meningococcal disease. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Is there a vaccine against this infection? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The meningococcal vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups (types) of the meningococcal infection - A, C, Y and W-135. There is currently no licensed vaccine that covers serogroup B. As such, even students who have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis may still be vulnerable to infections with serogroup B. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Is there a link between the cases? [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]No common link has been identified among these four cases. Cases of meningococcal disease can occur sporadically in college settings since this population has an increased risk for meningococcal disease. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Read more:[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/meningococcal_faqs.pdf[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]http://www.state.nj.us/health/[/FONT]
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