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STEUBENVILLE -- Two cases of bacterial meningococcal disease have been confirmed in the North and Northwest parts of Jefferson County, the Jefferson County General Health District said Wednesday.
The health department said it is investigating and awaiting final test results in both cases and another suspected case, which all occurred among children. Each child is receiving treatment with antibiotics, the health department said, and family members are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, antibiotic medication.
Health Commissioner Andrew Henry said the children being investigated do not attend the public school system, adding, "Parents who are concerned about their child's possible exposure should rest assured that there was no school exposure."
Common symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, headache and a stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and altered mental status, such as confusion. Treatment should begin as soon as possible, the health department said, and those who believe they are experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care providers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningococcal bacteria is spread between persons through shared respiratory and throat secretions, i.e. saliva or spit.
Meningococcal bacteria is not as contagious as the bacteria that cause the common cold or influenza, Henry said, and meningococcal bacteria take "close contact for several hours" to spread.
Henry said meningococcal disease is a Class A reportable disease in Ohio, sitting at the highest level of public health concern. This is because of the disease's potential severity, as well as its potential to produce long-term disabilities including loss of limbs, deafness or nervous system issues.
Those vaccinated for the disease are protected, Henry said, with the vaccine available for children older than 10. However, unvaccinated populations of any age are at risk for the disease and its long-term effects, including unvaccinated children under the age of 10.
The health department advised individuals to take health precautions including washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when ill and keeping up to date on vaccines. These practices are particularly important with the approach of the holiday season and its personal gatherings.
The health department received notice of the first confirmed case on Tuesday and the second on Wednesday, Henry said. All three cases being investigated were identified among the county's Amish population. The population in question was noted to have spent a week together prior to the case's confirmation.
The disease's origin has not been identified by the health department nursing staff and medical director, who are investigating in collaboration with regional health care professionals, a regional epidemiologist and the Ohio Department of Health, Henry said. Investigation involves speaking with the children's family members and health care professionals about the possible origin and prescribing future treatments and isolation or quarantine if necessary.
Questions about the disease should be directed to the health department at (740) 283-8530.