United States: Suspected meningitis outbreak in Miami (Florida)

Event

A child day care center at Miami-Dade County Hall in downtown Miami, Florida, shut down on Wednesday, December 13, after two children died of suspected bacterial meningitis. The two deaths occurred in the first week of December. Officials at the Florida Department of Health are currently working to confirm the cases and to prevent further spread of the disease.

Context

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis, a contagious disease, include fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light. Bacterial meningitis may be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. A vaccine is available, however it does not protect against all strains of the bacteria.

Advice

All those present in Miami are advised to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the disease (wash hands, disinfect surfaces frequently, consult with a medical professional concerning vaccination options) and avoid all contact with infected individuals. Individuals developing symptoms of the disease should seek immediate medical attention.