In addition, we are making arrangements to have bacterial cultures sent to the Michigan Department of Community Health Laboratory for additional testing to determine if the bacteria are related or if there is anything unusual. Two of these meningitis cases are confirmed to have been caused by the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is a more unusual cause of meningitis then the meningococcal bacteria, which has been associated with previous cases in Michigan. A case of meningitis in a Wayne County school aged child who died last week was also caused by Streptococcus, but again appears unrelated to the Macomb County cases. A meningitis case reported by the Livingston County Health Department earlier this week was later diagnosed as viral rather than bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is spread by direct contact with nose and throat secretions.
An infected person can transmit the disease by coughing or sneezing directly in the face of others, kissing a person on the mouth, or by sharing eating utensils or a cup or glass. It is not spread by casual contact such as sitting in the same room as an infected person or passing an infected person in a hallway or on a sidewalk. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Parents of children who experience symptoms of meningitis, particularly fever and stiff neck, should promptly get those children in for medical evaluation.