Fourth Case Of Meningitis Confirmed In The North Of Scotland
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in the north of Scotland.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in the north of Scotland.
Household transmission is considered to be the most likely explanation for the development of illness in this fourth case.
The patient is a parent of a scout who attended the 23rd World Scouts Jamboree in Japan but is not a parent of any of the three previous cases.
The patient has been admitted to hospital and is receiving treatment.
A small number of household contacts have been offered antibiotics and vaccination as a precautionary measure.
Health Protection Scotland is also aware of a case of meningococcal disease confirmed and two possible cases in scouts from Sweden, who attended the jamboree in Japan.
The NHS is working with colleagues in Scotland and Sweden to establish what links there may have been, if any, between scouts from the two countries.
They remain in contact with colleagues in Japan, the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and are unaware of any other cases associated with the jamboree apart from Scotland and Sweden.
Dr Jim McMenamin, Consultant Epidemiologist and Chair of the Incident team said: “This patient is a close contact of a scout who recently attended the jamboree.
“They followed the advice given and when they began to feel unwell, contacted medical services and was rapidly assessed and received prompt antibiotic treatment. This treatment continues in hospital.”
“The early alert to the international medical agencies and the scouting movement is ensuring that there is rapid identification of any suspect cases, as has been seen in Sweden.”