Timon Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 http://m.ocregister.com/articles/county-501809-orange-dobrow.html March 29, 2013 Public health officials warn about disease outbreak By COURTNEY PERKES Email Article Orange County public health officials have warned schools about a deadly meningococcal disease outbreak tied to Tijuana that is preventable by vaccination. That strain has not hit Orange County but has been reported from San Diego to Los Angeles. So far this year, Orange County has had two cases of meningococcal infection caused by other strains. The disease, which can cause meningitis or blood infections, is fatal in about 10 percent of cases and can produce serious complications. Teens and young adults are particularly susceptible to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first-time vaccination for children at age 11 or 12, followed by a booster at 16. The vaccine offers protection against four strains, including the type responsible for at least five deaths in Tijuana. "It's a very severe disease," said Dr. Matt Zahn, the county Health Care Agency's medical director for epidemiology. "It's a reminder of why this is a standard part of the vaccination series for kids and adolescents." Orange County typically sees between four and nine cases a year, Zahn said. Public health officials sent an informational notice to parents of Orange County students March 22. The parents of an 18-year-old meningococcal patient at UCI Medical Center, who has undergone amputations on all four limbs, are also urging parents to vaccinate. Kaitlyn Dobrow of Huntington Beach was diagnosed in February after complaining of a terrible headache, said her parents Don and Kathi Dobrow. "She started to get bruise-like lesions on her skin," Kathi Dobrow said. "When I saw those I realized this was not the flu." Kathi Dobrow said she believes Kaitlyn missed her meningococcal vaccinations. "I had absolutely no idea how serious this could be," she said. "If I had known, both our kids would have been vaccinated the minute we heard the vaccine was available." Dr. Victor Joe, director of UCI's burn center, said Kaitlyn developed an overwhelming blood infection that caused her blood to clot, stopping it from reaching 57 percent of her skin and soft tissues. In addition to the amputations, she has undergone skin grafts for other damaged tissue. "It's a devastating case," Joe said. "There are a lot of people who care about her and care about her family. I can't imagine being a young lady, being vibrant and then being dealt this kind of hand. It will take a tremendous amount of fortitude and outside support to be able to make it through." A fundraiser is under way for Kaitlyn Dobrow. Visit giveforward.com/fundraiser/1d32/kaitlynndobrowinspireshope About the disease Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. This can occur when people live or sleep in close contact or through kissing. Teens and young adults have a higher risk for meningococcal disease. Who should get vaccinated A vaccine against four types of the meningococcal bacteria is recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds. Teens need a booster shot when they are 16 to stay protected. Older teens who didn't get the shot should get it as soon as possible, especially if they are about to move in to a college dorm or go into the military. Other people at high risk for meningococcal disease, including young children and adults with certain medical conditions, also might need to get vaccinated. Symptoms Sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and confusion. The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Seek medical attention immediately. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health Contact the writer: cperkes@ocregister.com 714-796-3686 Related: Johnson: Teen loses arms and legs to bacterial attack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timon Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 http://m.ocregister.com/articles/county-501809-orange-dobrow.html March 29, 2013 Public health officials warn about disease outbreak By COURTNEY PERKES Email Article Orange County public health officials have warned schools about a deadly meningococcal disease outbreak tied to Tijuana that is preventable by vaccination. That strain has not hit Orange County but has been reported from San Diego to Los Angeles. So far this year, Orange County has had two cases of meningococcal infection caused by other strains. The disease, which can cause meningitis or blood infections, is fatal in about 10 percent of cases and can produce serious complications. Teens and young adults are particularly susceptible to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first-time vaccination for children at age 11 or 12, followed by a booster at 16. The vaccine offers protection against four strains, including the type responsible for at least five deaths in Tijuana. "It's a very severe disease," said Dr. Matt Zahn, the county Health Care Agency's medical director for epidemiology. "It's a reminder of why this is a standard part of the vaccination series for kids and adolescents." Orange County typically sees between four and nine cases a year, Zahn said. Public health officials sent an informational notice to parents of Orange County students March 22. The parents of an 18-year-old meningococcal patient at UCI Medical Center, who has undergone amputations on all four limbs, are also urging parents to vaccinate. Kaitlyn Dobrow of Huntington Beach was diagnosed in February after complaining of a terrible headache, said her parents Don and Kathi Dobrow. "She started to get bruise-like lesions on her skin," Kathi Dobrow said. "When I saw those I realized this was not the flu." Kathi Dobrow said she believes Kaitlyn missed her meningococcal vaccinations. "I had absolutely no idea how serious this could be," she said. "If I had known, both our kids would have been vaccinated the minute we heard the vaccine was available." Dr. Victor Joe, director of UCI's burn center, said Kaitlyn developed an overwhelming blood infection that caused her blood to clot, stopping it from reaching 57 percent of her skin and soft tissues. In addition to the amputations, she has undergone skin grafts for other damaged tissue. "It's a devastating case," Joe said. "There are a lot of people who care about her and care about her family. I can't imagine being a young lady, being vibrant and then being dealt this kind of hand. It will take a tremendous amount of fortitude and outside support to be able to make it through." A fundraiser is under way for Kaitlyn Dobrow. Visit giveforward.com/fundraiser/1d32/kaitlynndobrowinspireshope About the disease Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. This can occur when people live or sleep in close contact or through kissing. Teens and young adults have a higher risk for meningococcal disease. Who should get vaccinated A vaccine against four types of the meningococcal bacteria is recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds. Teens need a booster shot when they are 16 to stay protected. Older teens who didn't get the shot should get it as soon as possible, especially if they are about to move in to a college dorm or go into the military. Other people at high risk for meningococcal disease, including young children and adults with certain medical conditions, also might need to get vaccinated. Symptoms Sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and confusion. The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Seek medical attention immediately. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health Contact the writer: cperkes@ocregister.com 714-796-3686 Related: Johnson: Teen loses arms and legs to bacterial attack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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