Mystery Still Surrounds Deadly, But Rare, Meningococcal Disease
The number of cases has been dwindling for years, but doctors still don't know why it strikes in some people and not others. When it does, however, the consequences are severe.
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Meningococcal Disease Is Increasingly Rare, But Still Deadly
It’s a mystery how Kyla Winters became infected with meningococcal disease. She was 37 when her neck started hurting — far removed from the infant, adolescent or young-adult age groups most commonly afflicted. She was not living in a community setting like a dorm. She was not missing her spleen, did not have a compromised immune system. She had not been to a region, such as sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is much more common and the risk of infection is greater. (Sisson, 3/13)
In other public health news —
The Fresno Bee:
Syphilis Cases Growing Exponentially In Fresno County
Fresno County syphilis cases are soaring – even though the sexually transmitted disease was nearly nonexistent here six years ago – which has led county health officials to seek help from state and federal officials. Medical workers from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have joined the county’s staff and the state Department of Public Health-Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch in seeking solutions to the county’s syphilis crisis, which may be linked to drug use and prostitution. (Benjamin, 3/12)
The Sacramento Bee:
UC Davis Researcher Touts Synapse Health To Avoid Brain Function Decline
There is a burgeoning amount of research being done on synapses and their effect on the aging brain. Researchers are looking into whether there is a link between synapse health and inherited developmental brain disorders and into why structural changes in synapses leave neurons vulnerable to death. (Ortiz, 3/12)
The Sun:
San Bernadino County Confirms First Zika Virus Case
Public health officials announced Friday that San Bernardino County has reported its first Zika virus case. As with all 20 confirmed cases in California, this victim, a woman in her 60s, was infected while traveling outside of the country, officials said. (Steinberg, 3/11)
KERO Bakersfield:
After Being Banned Last Year, Spice Still Affecting Kern County Families
Despite being banned in Kern County last year, spice is still a prevalent and dangerous force around town, and it's having a grave effect on families. "Well it's greatly impacting my family life," says Rachel Darrah. "My son is currently addicted and throwing up blood." The drug, which looks marijuana, is sprayed with toxic chemicals. These chemicals are what make spice so dangerous. (Johansen, 3/11)