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American Morning

Health Officials Work to Contain Meningitis Outbreak in Ohio

Aired June 04, 2001 - 11:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Now to Northeastern Ohio, where health officials are dealing with an outbreak of meningitis. This weekend, tens of thousands of people in Alliance, Ohio received antibiotics, that after a third case of the illness was diagnosed. So far, two of those people have died. Two of those three people have died.

Today, officials will decide whether a vaccination program is necessary for the community. But health officials note that in cases like this, fear often spreads faster than the disease.

Our medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Meningitis can be spread through bodily fluids, such as when people kiss or drink from the same glass. It can kill within hours, but is often ignored at first because the symptoms are similar to the flu.

The CDC lists these symptoms to watch out for in patients two years and older: high fever, headache and a stiff neck, and there may or may not be other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, discomfort when looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness.

Experts say people who have these symptoms should see their doctor immediately. Diagnosis is more difficult in infants, who can have meningitis without any obvious signs. Although bacterial meningitis can be deadly, it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, and there are effective vaccines, which are recommended in places having an outbreak. The protective effects only last three to five years. The vaccine doesn't work in children younger than 18 months.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GUPTA: And experts say these outbreaks have been occurring more frequent in recent years, but as long as the disease is recognized early, it can be quickly contained.

KAGAN: We're hearing about a spread like this that's taking place in Ohio, we heard that they're giving out antibiotics. But what else do they do to help prevent the spread?

GUPTA: Yes, they did give preventative antibiotics for the first 48 hours, and I should mention that it really is the first 48 hours. After that, after the bacteria is incubated, the antibiotics aren't that effective. Vaccines can also be used. If they find the strain of bacteria is the same in all three cases, sometimes they will actually vaccinate in those communities.

KAGAN: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, thank you. Twice in three hours. Good to see you. Thank you.

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