The bacteria is spread through respiratory and throat secretions, mainly by sneezing or kissing, not by casual contact. Symptoms include fever, rash and a stiff neck. The infection begins in the spinal fluid and moves swiftly to shut down internal organs, sometimes within 24 hours. Antibiotics can protect against the bacteria but must be taken soon after contact. The pills are effective for one or two days.
Vaccinations can protect for three to five years.
Officials stopped handing out antibiotics Monday. They said there was no reason to continue because the incubation period of 12-14 days after being exposed had passed. This is a disease that can spread very quickly. Gannett Co. Inc. Shop. The monumental Godfather saga arrives on DVD for the first time in this stunning five-disc Collector s Gift Set.