Following four cases meningitis C “very virulent” detected in Allier and Creuse and the death of 3 people in a limited time interval, the regional health agencies (ARS) advise children and young people aged 12 months to 24 years to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis type C.
This vaccination, recommended by the Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique for all people aged 12 months to 24 years regardless of their place of residence, has been on the vaccination calendar since 2010. A single injection is enough and the vaccine is reimbursed by health insurance up to 24 years old.
A 14-year-old college boy and 20-year-old youth
On December 17, a case of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) broke out in a 14-year-old student in the 3rd grade at the college “Les quatre vents” of Arbresle in the Rhône. Hospitalized in emergency, the student unfortunately died at the end of the day as a result of this IIM.
In the Creuse and in the Allier, two young people in their twenties died of this same infection caused by a “very virulent” strain of me type C ningitis.
A third victim, of foreign nationality, was exposed to the bacteria during his visit to one of these two people, but survived.
A disease that affects young people and teenagers
Invasive meningococcal disease is a disease which is rare in France but which can be serious. There are several serogroups (A, B, C, Y, W135…). It is transmitted directly from one person to another from these secretions (sputter, cough, etc.). Incubation varies from 3 to 10 days on average. It mainly affects children and adolescents and most often occurs from the beginning of winter to spring.
The first symptoms often resemble those of the flu. It is therefore important to know them and not to hesitate to go to the emergency room if in doubt. Because the most characteristic symptoms (purplish spots on the skin, stiffness of the neck, vomiting) often only appear late.
Read also :
Meningitis in children: lightning but preventable
Meningitis: why are teenagers more affected?
