Confirmed Case of Bacterial Meningitis in Humboldt

humboldt county department of health and human servicesPress release from the Department of Health and Human Services:

A Eureka child has been transferred to an out-of-county hospital with a confirmed case of Neisseria meningitidis, which is a contagious form of bacterial meningitis.

The child was sick for several days before seeking medical care, and the Public Health Branch of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is notifying individuals who may have been exposed so that they can be treated prophylactically with antibiotics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include sudden fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, confusion and increased sensitivity to light.

Children and infants may show different signs, such as inactivity, irritability, vomiting or poor reflexes. Meningococcal bacteria can also infect the blood which can lead to tiredness, cold hands and feet, chills, severe aches and pain, fast breathing, diarrhea and a dark purple rash. Meningococcal disease is very serious and can be fatal.

The California Department of Public Health states that meningococcal disease can be spread by kissing an infected person or by other intimate contact, such as sharing toothbrushes or utensils. If you are sick and suspect you may have a meningococcal illness, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention measures involve reducing exposure to germs. The CDC advises washing your hands often. If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.

DHHS will provide additional information tomorrow.

 

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19 Comments
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Brat
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Brat
6 years ago

Do we know if the child attended school or preschool and in what area of Eureka or the County? Would be helpful to know.

Veterens friend
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Veterens friend
6 years ago
Reply to  Brat

No kidding

Ernestine
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Ernestine
6 years ago

We all hope this kid is comfortable and is soon well and back to his regularly scheduled life!!
Nice fear mongering hchhs!! If this is all you’re going to tell us, just keep it to yourselves.
You know you’ve done a poor job writing your press release when the first three remarks don’t mention the kid, but instead people’s fears predominate!
If you’re going to tell us, then you need to give us some information about places the kid frequents so Moms know when to worry and contact your health Dept to see if their child is in danger.
Otherwise just leave us out of your fear fest dearest.

Paul C Windham
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Paul C Windham
6 years ago
Reply to  Brat

The classic presentation is a college student from the dorms. It’s more likely from CR or HSU.

Antichrist
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Antichrist
6 years ago
Reply to  Paul C Windham

College age wouldnt be concidered a child would it ?, not trying to be smartass just story states child so i think umder 15 or so as they would say teen or young adult ?

Carolyn Hensley
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Carolyn Hensley
6 years ago
Reply to  Antichrist

College students living in Dorms, seem to be highest at risk , and encouraged to get shots as part of admission..

Zippy
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Zippy
6 years ago
Reply to  Paul C Windham

Paul C Windham you do a huge disservice with this comment. You pulled that right out of your butt. Now some people with think that bacterial meningitis is running rampant through the dorms of both CR and HSU just because you spewed something you don’t KNOW. If this was true then the healthcare community would have said it originated in one of those schools. They do not need your help(?)!

Paul C Windham
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Paul C Windham
6 years ago
Reply to  Brat

The Health Department will be all over this, contacting everyone who may have been exposed. They’ll be the best source of information.

me
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me
6 years ago

Other reports Said from a child at Washington Elementary.

Oma
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Oma
6 years ago
Reply to  me

I heard that, too

The Manager
Guest
The Manager
6 years ago

Im not surprised with all the dirt bags and the low quality living situations that exist in Humboldt are far from few. Actually doing pretty good for what it is.
Hope this child recovers fully!

Ernestine
Guest
Ernestine
6 years ago
Reply to  The Manager

This is blaming and shaming and ignorant as ****!! It’s this type of thinking that makes our entire nation into a shithole. Tweekers are a symptom. People who think like you are the disease.

TM Kay
Guest
TM Kay
6 years ago
Reply to  Ernestine

No Ernestine. It is a fact too many people around here live in deplorable and filthy conditions. You CAN be poor and still be clean and healthy you know. Especially if you are raising children, it is your duty. If people are possibly spreading contagious disease, the public has a right to know.

Wil Gibson
Guest
Wil Gibson
6 years ago

It is Washington school. Parents were informed yesterday.

Hahahaha
Guest
Hahahaha
6 years ago

Ernestine, Fear mongering? how so? Do you really believe this is a scare tactic or part of a standardized protocol? So you don’t get all the answers and that upsets you? Welcome to the adult world. Spreading distrust to hurt an agency may be your purpose here, but your only hurting hard working under staffed and under equipped Humboldt county citizen’s, making it harder to help the community as they can, maybe they had to put the breaks on your lifestyle choices at one point? Is that where the anger is coming from or have you got nothing better to do than to criticize this release? I believe you haven’t got an understanding for medical privacy standards.

Emily
Guest
Emily
6 years ago

Oh no that’s so sad!!!! That poor baby!!! And parents!! Praying for a speedy recovery and strength to get you all through this time. ♥️

Crime stopper
Guest
Crime stopper
6 years ago

Is this an undocumented child from Mexico/Central America who recently “arrived”? Did the child travel out of country and return infected? No mention of age and nationality of origin. West nile infections are a perfect example of travel abroad, returning, and then showing up infected. We all need more information!

Mr.B
Guest
Mr.B
6 years ago
Reply to  Crime stopper

Yes, they’re murderers ,rapist and some I assume are good people.[edit]Immigrants are low hanging fruit for racist rednecks like you . What tribe do you belong to anyway? Your handle is crimestopper , would you be sheriff Joe? This is a sick child we’re talking about here have a little class……

SFMEDIC
Guest
SFMEDIC
6 years ago

Poor kid, parents this is one of the main reasons for immunizations for children. If I was the DA for Humboldt county first thing I would do was ensure that the child was doing well then second see if his/her parents were negligent in vaccination. Because not only is this child’s life hanging by a thread bacterial meningitis is very contagious