Originally from Chenôve near Dijon, a 23-year-old young man died on Friday, December 29 of meningitis, a few hours after his hospitalization at Dijon University Hospital. A year ago, 3 cases of meningitis, including two fatalities, occurred on the Dijon campus. They had been infected with meningococcal strain W, a recent and rare strain that is not included in the vaccine recommendations. Following this, a major vaccination campaign had been carried out and 14,000 young people had been vaccinated.
A very rare disease
Meningococcus is a bacteria that can be present in the back of the throat and be transmitted through saliva. About 10% of the population will be carriers, at some point, of this germ and normally it does not cause disease. Little is known about the causes of the development of meningitis. Then appear from fever, headaches, neck pain and intolerance to light. Other signs, joint or digestive, as well as red spots, may occur.
For the moment, the strain behind the death of this young man has not been identified. Tests are underway and as soon as she is known a vaccine can be offered to her relatives. They have so far benefited from preventive antibiotic treatment.
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