Deschutes County
In March, 2012 Deschutes County confirmed its first case of meningococcal disease since June, 2011. There are not enough cases for the Centers for Disease Control to declare an "outbreak" so the expanded definition for vaccination does not apply. Deschutes County Health Services continues to follow clinically recommended guidelines for use of meningococcal vaccine for Deschutes County residents. Specifically, the guidelines are:
- All persons 11-18 years.
- Individuals 2-55 years of age should receive the vaccine if they are at higher risk for meningococcal disease.
The Oregon Public Health Lab has confirmed the recent meningococcal case in a five year old child is Serogroup B. This strain is different then the Prineville cases, which means there is NO link to the Crook County outbreak. Serogroup B is not vaccine preventable, so this case would not have been prevented by the meningococcal vaccine. Serogroup B causes about half the cases in Oregon.
Deschutes County Health Services has concluded its contact investigation associated with the case. Approximately 50 individuals considered at risk were prescribed preventive antibiotics to protect them from developing infection or from infecting others. The antibiotic is effective against all strains of the bacteria, including Serogroup B, but will not prevent future exposures.
Anyone who would like to speak directly with staff at Deschutes County Health Services should call the Communicable Disease Line at (541) 322-7418.
Crook County
On February 3, 2012 the Centers for Disease Control declared an "outbreak" of meningococcal disease in Crook County, Oregon. Crook County health officials have confirmed six cases of the disease in the last 11 months. The Oregon Health Authority recommends that people ages 9 months through 25 years who live, work, or attend school or day care in greater Prineville get a meningococcal vaccination. This expanded definition for vaccination does not apply to Deschutes County residents, unless they work, attend school or day care in greater Prineville. Deschutes County residents who would like a vaccination will need to adhere to our regular recommendations.
Please note that the meningococcal disease in Deschutes and other surrounding counties over the last year are distinctly different from the Crook County cases. They are not related.
For more information, Crook County is urging people to call their health care provider or dial 2-1-1. We also encourage the public to call 2-1-1, however, anyone who would like to speak directly with staff at Deschutes County Health Services should call the Communicable Disease Line at (541) 322-7418.
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