Meningococcal Infection Confirmed in Craig Teen

The bacterial infection was treated before making its way into the teen’s brain, avoiding the development of meningitis.

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By Colleen Kelly

Story Created: May 3, 2011 at 4:22 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 4, 2011 at 10:50 AM AKDT

Public health nurses in Craig, Alaska, today reported a confirmed case of meningococcal infection in a local teen who then exposed 35 others to the infection; the teen was hospitalized Sunday, May 1.

The teen’s condition improved quickly due to “rapid diagnosis and treatment,” according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Service.

Because the bacterial infection was discovered so quickly, the more than 35 people affected were treated with antibiotics within 24 hours.

Penicillin is a common antiobiotic used to treat bacterial meningococcal infections.

According to DHSS, symptoms of a meningococcal infection may appear within one to ten days, but typically appear within three to four days, of exposure.

Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Severe sudden headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Pain in the shoulders and back
  • A red pinpoint rash
  • High fever
  • Irritability

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to seek immediate treatment at one of the three major clinics on Prince of Wales Island:

SEARHC clinic/Alicia Roberts Medical Center: 755-4800
PeaceHealth Clinic: 826-3257
Craig Public Health Center: 826-3433

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