Health Department Waits on Meningitis Vaccine

Written by OJ Fagbire

Friday, 27 July 2007

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Parents are asking Vermilion County officials whether a vaccine for bacterial meningitis will be available for children in the near future. Two cases were confirmed in the area last week.

Steve Laker, administrator at the Health Department, said that "if there's a third case in the next three months, then there would be a consideration of a public campaign for a select population." Vaccines will not be ordered until at least a third case of the disease has been confirmed. Health officials are currently investigating the two local cases, which so far, are not linked.

The two cases of the disease involve children. On July 8, a 3-year-old girl died and on July 17 a 4-year-old boy was hospitalized.

Bacterial meningitis is less common then viral meningitis but is usually more serious in children and the elderly. Usually, the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis causes the disease. Meningitis inflames the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

According to the Health Department, Illinois averages about 115 cases of bacterial meningitis a year. About 10% of these cases are fatal.

Lake and the Health Department are also concerned that ordering the vaccine now would cause unnecessary stress for the public because, “scarcity creates an artificial demand. If we announce that we have the vaccine that might inappropriately concern people [who would otherwise not need it].”

The meningitis vaccine is available in limited quantities, about 20 doses every 30 days, and is quite expensive, at about $91 per dose.

The Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and will make public announcements when necessary. Parents are encouraged to speak to their pediatrician if they feel a vaccine is right for them.

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