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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

US : More cases of meningococcal disease reported in Los Angeles County

Article from Xinhua :

" LOS ANGELES, April 19 : Health officials warned on Tuesday that more cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in Los Angeles County since mid-March, indicating a potential spread of the disease.

Seven cases of the life-threatening illness, which can cause meningitis and blood infections, have been reported since mid- March, according to the Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health (DPH).

"The increase in cases of meningococcal disease in such a short period of time is higher than expected," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, DPH's director.

The department is monitoring the cases and working with those infected to limit the spread of the bacterial disease of the bloodstream or meninges, Fielding said.

Fielding urged at-risk groups to get vaccinations, such as children, young adults living in a college dormitory, adults with compromised immune systems, microbiologists routinely exposed to the bacteria that carries the disease, military recruits and those traveling to countries where the disease is common."

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