Several reports of meningococcal infections in young adults in Strasbourg and its agglomeration have been recorded since the beginning of November at the regional health agency (ARS) Grand Est.
In a press release published this Wednesday, November 30, the ARS specifies that “the results of the epidemiological investigations carried out so far indicate that four cases have frequented festive places (discotheques, bars) in the hyper-city center of Strasbourg, including the establishment on Live Club ».
If in doubt, call 15 urgently
At this stage, the ARS invites people who regularly frequent festive places in this sector, since November 18, to “monitor the symptoms suggestive of the disease” and to “call 15 urgently in case of doubt”.
High fever, red or purplish spots
The evocative signs of the disease are: violent headaches, sensitivity to light, stiffness of the neck, body aches and fatigue, fever, red or purplish subcutaneous spots on the body, severe abdominal pain and nausea and/or vomiting.
Meningococci are bacteria normally found in the throat and nose of many people. These bacteria can be transmitted by air (during close direct contact – less than one meter – and prolonged) or by saliva.
There are healthy carriers who do not develop symptoms, but can still transmit the bacteria.
Most often meningococci do not cause any particular disease. But, in some cases, they can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia.