Ron DeSantis

Mission:
Governor
To protect, promote & improve the health
of all people in Florida through integrated
Scott A. Rivkees, MD
state, county & community efforts.
State Surgeon General

Vision: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation

Date: 10/16/19

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

As a courtesy, this letter is to inform you that an individual at Palm Beach State College was confirmed with a
case of bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria Meningitidis (meningococcal disease). Meningitis is
inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and may present with symptoms such as headache,
fever, mental confusion, and can lead to serious complications.

It is important to note that given the results of our investigation, there is NOT a risk for the general population
on the Palm Beach State College campus for this disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has worked closely and collaboratively with Palm
Beach State College and has already identified all close contacts, and the necessary antibiotics have been
provided as a preventative measure. None of these contacts are associated with the school. There is no
recommendation at this time for any student, staff or faculty member to be provided antibiotics as a post
exposure protective measure since there were no contacts identified as at risk from this confirmed
case. Health departments investigate each case of meningococcal disease to identify all close contacts and
make sure they receive prophylaxis. People who are not a close contact of a patient with meningococcal
disease do not need antibiotic prophylaxis.

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and oral/ throat secretions
(saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these
bacteria. Fortunately, this type of bacteria is not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the
flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with
meningococcal disease has been.

Sometimes the bacteria spread to people who have had close or lengthy contact with a patient with
meningococcal disease. Those at increased risk of getting sick include:

• People in the same household

• Roommates
• Anyone with direct contact with the patient’s oral secretions, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Those who share utensils or drinks with an infected person

For more information about Meningococcal Disease, please visit the CDC website
https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html. For any other questions or concerns please call: 561-
671-4184. Any questions can be emailed to chd50feedback@flhealth.gov

Regards,

Dr. Karen Thomas, MPH

Director of Epidemiology &Communicable Diseases

Florida Department of Health,

in Palm Beach County
Division of Epidemiology & Communicable Diseases•
Epidemiology Program
800 Clematis Street, 2nd Fl • West Palm Beach, FL 33401
PHONE: 561-671-4184 • FAX 561-837-5330
FloridaHealth.gov | Flhealthpalmbeach.org