Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Department of Community Health Warns of Meningitis Case

Rave Party in Mason County May Have Caused Disease to Spread 

Dr. Gary Johnson, Medical Director of the Genesee County Health Department, has learned that a case of meningococcal meningitis was diagnosed in a young woman who attended a Rave party near Hoags Lake, in Mason County over the past weekend (August 18th to August 20th). Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious and potentially fatal form of meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis

It has been reported that there were considerable amounts of drinking and sharing of a pacifier, which had been dipped in the drug "ecstasy" at the Rave party. There also appeared to have been a considerable amount of close contact between the young woman and many of the other attendees at the party. However, the young woman, who appears to be recovering while hospitalized, is unable to identify all potential contacts. It is not known where the 700 to 1,000 attendees came from, although it is assumed that most of them came from Michigan. 

Individuals known to have had contact with the young woman have received prophylaxis. Because of the difficulty in identifying contacts and the apparent extensive contact that the young woman had, it is recommended that all attendees receive precautionary treatment for meningococcal exposure. Antibiotics commonly used to prevent meningitis are ciprofloxacin and rifampin. 

The 700 to 1,000 people who attended this party in Mason County must seek medical treatment and consultation. Many of those in attendance may not have told their parents about the party. They must realize the possible consequences of not seeking follow-up care. Meningitis would put their health at serious risk. 

Those who attended the party should seek medical care from their own physicians or health care providers. For individuals without a physician, they should contact the Genesee County Health Department as soon as possible at (810) 257-3634.

Symptoms of meningitis include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion and sometimes a rash. Such symptoms may indicate a medical emergency and medical attention should be sought at once. Those at the party who develop these symptoms should get immediate medical care, and inform their health care providers about their possible exposure to someone with bacterial meningitis. 

Ecstasy is one of the most popular rave drugs. Known chemically as MDMA, it is a stimulant that can cause hallucinations. It is usually sold in pill form and is often stamped with popular logos or cartoon caricatures. Some forms resemble chewable children's vitamins. It creates a sense of euphoria, increased energy, empathy and peacefulness. 

Ecstasy causes deep depression, anxiety and paranoia, sometimes for weeks after taking the drug. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, can dehydrate users to a dangerous level and can increase body temperatures to as high as 108 degrees. Some users have died from heat stroke and studies have shown that it can cause long term brain damage and memory impairment, even after a single dose.

Meningococcal Meningitis Facts

What is Meningitis? 

Meningitis is an infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by several different organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is a rare disease, but can be very serious and requires treatment with antibiotics. One form of bacterial meningitis is meningococcal meningitis. This form can cause very serious illness. It requires early diagnosis and treatment. Untreated meningococcal infection can be fatal. 

What makes Meningococcal Meningitis so dangerous? 

· Since very few cases are seen, early symptoms or signs may not be recognized as meningitis. 

· A person may experience minor cold symptoms for a few days and then progress to severe disease in a short period of time. 

How do you catch Meningococcal Disease?

Persons who have intimate or direct exposure to a patient with meningococcal disease are at risk for contracting meningococcal meningitis. Intimate or direct exposure includes being touched or kissed, sharing eating utensils, or by contact with any fluids from the body of the infected individual, such as saliva. 

Meningococcal bacteria cannot usually live for more than a few minutes outside the body. They are usually not transmitted in water supplies, swimming pools, or by routine contact in classrooms, dining rooms, bars, restrooms etc., where an infected individual has been. Roommates, friends, spouses, and children who are not directly exposed to an ill meningitis victim are not at risk. 

Approximately 5% to 10% of the general population carry the meningococcal bacteria in the nose and throat in a harmless state. This carrier state may last for days or months.

What are the signs and symptoms of Meningococcal Disease?

Symptoms of the disease are usually sudden and begin like the flu: fever, feeling generally unwell, headache, vomiting, and in some cases a stiff neck. People with this disease become visibly sick and may be confused, excited, or drowsy. Sometimes a reddish-purple rash that may look like dots or bruises appears. The rash is flat and smooth, does not itch, and may spread quickly once it starts. In rare cases, the symptoms are followed by lowered blood pressure, shock, delirium, sudden extreme weakness, coma, and death. Because the disease spreads quickly in the body, it is important to seek medical treatment if symptoms suggesting meningocccal disease develop. 

What is the treatment for Meningococcal Disease exposure?

Treatment for infected persons: Meningococcal disease can progress quickly. With early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, however, the likelihood of full recovery is increased. 

Treatment for exposed persons: The use of antibiotics is recommended for those who may have been directly exposed to meningococcal disease. Anyone who suspects possible exposure should consult a physician immediately.

Preventative treatment: Along with antibiotics, meningitis immunization may be recommended when an outbreak of meningococcal disease has occurred in a community. Vaccination may also be recommended or required for individuals traveling to an area where there is a greater risk of acquiring meningococcal disease. 

If you have any questions regarding possible exposure to meningococcal disease or its treatment, please contact your physician or the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3634.