The establishment immediately alerted the Regional Health Agency (ARS), which took the necessary measures to protect public health. In accordance with the protocol in force, the patient was isolated and hospitalized in a specialized unit. Health authorities have also identified people who have been in contact with the patient and who may be at risk of infection. A preventive antibiotic treatment and vaccination were recommended to them prevent the spread of the disease.

Meningococcal meningitis is a disease that can affect children, adolescents and young adults. It is manifested by symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, lethargy and impaired consciousness. Transmission of the disease occurs through nasopharyngeal secretions during close and regular contact, and it is favored in family circles and community living conditionswhich can give rise to outbreaks of contamination.

On Thursday March 16, the young man was still hospitalized and closely monitored by medical teams. Health authorities have called for vigilance to rapidly detect other possible cases of meningococcal meningitis in the region (source 1).