Alerta internacional brote menigitis en Chile

Medical Alert   11 Nov 2012   Chile: Increase in meningococcal meningitis cases In Brief A spike in meningococcal meningitis cases has been reported in Chile, particularly in the regions of Valparaiso and the Metropolitan (RM). Symptoms include severe headache, neck stiffness and rash. This serious bacterial infection can be rapidly life-threatening. Advice People who are at higher risk for infection (such as students and college residents) should consider receiving the quadrivalent ACWY meningococcal vaccination prior to travel, although it will not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease. See your travel health practitioner prior to departure for an individual recommendation. Whilst in Chile, prevent infection Wash your hands frequently. Avoid close contact, such as kissing. Do not share drinks or food or eating utensils. If you develop symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. More Detail Since the beginning of the year, more than 95 people have been infected and at least 20 have died. Most cases have been reported in the regions of Valparaiso and Metropolitan. The number of infections is above the average seasonal level of past five years. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the cases are mainly due to meningococcal serogroups W 135 and B, and some are due to serogroup C. Note that there is no vaccination available against the B strain of the disease. Health officials have begun immunisation campaigns and advised people to practise hygiene measures such as cough etiquette and frequent hand washing to control the spread of the disease. What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is a severe, often fatal, bacterial infection. People can contract the disease if they inhale droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Direct contact with an infected person's throat secretions (e.g. through kissing, sharing drinks) can also spread the disease. The bacterium invades the brain and its linings, causing meningitis, and can multiply in the blood (septicaemia). A characteristic red, blotchy rash occurs all over the body in most serious cases. Symptoms include fever, intense headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. These progress to cause coma. It is essential that infected people receive antibiotics quickly, as the disease progresses rapidly and can cause permanent brain damage or death. Typically, epidemics of meningococcal disease occur among people who live in close quarters. Vaccines against some strains of the disease are available. People who have been in close contact with an infected person should be promptly treated with preventive antibiotics. For more information: See "Meningococcal Meningitis" in the "Diseases and Prevention" dropdown on International SOS Country Guides Contact any International SOS assistance centre   Please do not reply to this email. Please note that this travel alert was sent to you, to notify you about the health and safety risks in your destination. Travel alerts will be sent for the duration of your trip. Assistance Centres You can contact the following Assistance Centres: Philadelphia, US: (1) (215) 942 8226 Singapore: (65) 6338 7800 London, UK: (44) (20) 8762 8008 Paris, France: (33) 155 633 155 Dubai, UAE: (971) 4 601 8777 All 24-hour Assistance Centres Medical and health advice provided in this email represents the best judgment of AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. Advice in this email does not however provide a warranty of future results nor a guarantee against risk. © 2012 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction (other than for authorised internal purposes) is prohibited except with the prior written consent of the copyright owner.