No New Meningitis Cases in Lane County

Health officials in Lane County say they’re not seeing new cases of the disease that killed a University of Oregon student last week, but a potential incubation period isn’t over yet.

No new cases of bacterial meningitis had been identified as of Monday, three days after the death of Lillian Pagenstecher, the Eugene Register-Guard (http://bit.ly/JCjsLb ) reported.

Typically, someone exposed to the disease will show symptoms within three to four days, but in some instances it can take up to 10 days.

Her father said Pagenstecher and his twin sons had all survived previous bouts of bacterial meningitis two years ago but all remained at risk because of a genetic protein deficiency. That genetic predisposition is another reason to suspect that the case may have been isolated.

“We’re certainly optimistic that we won’t have additional cases, but we’re monitoring the situation closely,” said Karen Gaffney, assistant director with Lane County Health and Human Services.

The disease is caused by bacteria present in the throats and noses of about 10 percent of the population. It rarely becomes serious unless it enters the bloodstream.

Instances of bacterial meningitis – also known as meningococcal disease – are not considered to be a communitywide outbreak unless there are at least three confirmed or probable cases in an area in a three-month period.

As of May 5, there had been 14 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Oregon this year. Pagenstecher’s was the fourth in Lane County.

In 2011, there were 31 cases reported statewide, including three in Lane County.

Vaccines are available, the Register Guard reported, and health authorities recommend people 11-18 get them, along with people aged 2-55 who are at risk – those with immune system disorders, travelers in countries with epidemics, military recruits and college students in dorms or other close quarters.

The vaccine protects against four types of bacteria, but not against the strain that causes about half the cases in Oregon. Antibiotics, though, can be effective no matter which strain a person may have been exposed to, Gaffney said.

The incidence of the disease in Oregon has declined 76 percent since 1994, yet remains twice as high as the national average, a puzzle to health experts.

“It beats me,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for the Oregon Immunization Program.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com