Dr. McDonough: Recent Meningitis Cases Do Not Constitute Outbreak
By Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is a question that's being raised, and is certainly worth asking. With two well-publicized cases of meningitis in the area, are we experiencing an outbreak of meningitis? The answer, quite simply, is no.
These are isolated cases in two different settings: one at Drexel University and one at a Skippack elementary school. In addition, we're talking about different strains of meningitis, both quite serious.
The important point here is that people who are in close personal contact with those individuals get treated with what is called prophylactic medication. We are worried most in those cases about the bacteria being spread through direct contact.
The bottom line here though is there is nothing for the general public to be worried about, except the normal precautions we would all take.