What is it?

It is an inflammation of tissues covering the brain and spinal cord.

What causes meningitis?

Bacteria, viruses and protozoa cause meningitis. The most serious bacterial meningitis is caused by specific bacterium known as Neisseria meningitides.

How can people catch the disease?

Meningococcal infection is spread by direct contact with an infected person via the respiratory route as in coughing, sneezing, and kissing.

How long does it take for symptoms to develop?

Once exposure occurred as above, symptoms of meningitis such as intense headache, fever, skin rash with small purplish spots, stiffness of the neck may manifest within 2 to 10 days but usually within 3-4 days.

What is Dallas County doing to stop the spread of
meningococcal infection?

Meningitis is a reportable disease in the state of Texas and any case of suspected or confirmed case of meningococcal infection is reported immediately by telephone to Dallas County Health and Human Services Department throughout 24 hours, seven-days a week. Each case is investigated thoroughly. Household contacts and day-care contacts given antibiotics to prevent further cases. In 2000, there were a total of 36 cases of meningococcal infection with one reported death in February 2000. In 2001, we have only 4 confirmed cases. Continuous electronic monitoring is done to detect any unusual flare-ups of the disease and initiate further control measures. People who plan to travel abroad where the disease is highly endemic are vaccinated at their own cost in our clinic at Stemmons Freeway.

What can I do to prevent the disease?

• Limit contact with known infected persons
• Early reporting of signs and symptoms of the disease to your doctor
• Report any suspected case immediately

If you have further questions do not hesitate to call us at 214-819-2004.