Lindsay, February 14, 2007

Ross Memorial Hospital has been presented with 2 confirmed cases of meningitis from the community.  They are members of the same family and treatment of these patients has been initiated.  The Public Health Unit is currently contacting anyone who may have come in contact with these individuals.

To support the efforts of the Health Unit, Ross Memorial Hospital has initiated a Screening Clinic to assess these individuals and determine if medical treatment or preventative measures need to be taken. 

The Screening Clinic is located in the Ambulatory Care Centre (which is also used for the After Hours Clinic) and will operate on Thursday February 15th from 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm.  Upon arrival at the clinic, individuals will be assessed and will receive the appropriate medical care.

All persons entering either the hospital or screening clinic will be asked to wear a mask until they complete a screening process. 

Meningococcal disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria are found in the throat and nose in 10 percent of healthy individuals. In rare instances, the bacteria can overcome the body's natural defenses and cause serious disease. The two serious forms of the disease are an infection of the lining of the brain called “meningococcal meningitis” and a blood infection called “meningococcemia”.

How do you get meningococcal disease?
The disease spreads through saliva by close face-to-face contact, usually by kissing or sharing food, drink, musical instruments, water bottles, cigarettes or other things that have been in the mouth of a person with the disease. 

• sudden onset of high fever
• fever
• severe headache
• nausea and vomiting
• stiff neck
• rash (purplish)
• drowsiness or confusion
• seizures
• Infants can have a high pitched cry, an arched back, decreased appetite or difficulty feeding

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For information contact:
Julia Bryan, Coordinator
Employee & Community Relations
Ross Memorial Hospital
(705) 328-6246