NEWS RELEASE
Aug 24, 2000

Department of Community Health Warns of Meningitis Case--Rave Party in Mason County May Have Caused Disease to Spread

 

Michigan Department of Community Health Chief Medical Executive, Dr. David R. Johnson, today announced that a case of meningococcal meningitis has been diagnosed in a young woman who attended a Rave party near Hoags Lake, in Mason County over the past weekend (August 18th to August 20th). Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious and potentially fatal form of meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

It has been reported that there was considerable amounts of drinking and sharing of a pacifier which had been dipped in the drug "ecstasy" at the Rave party. There also appeared to have been a considerable amount of close contact between the young woman and many of the other attendees at the party. However, the young woman, who appears to be recovering while hospitalized, is unable to identify all potential contacts. It is not known where the 700 - 1,000 attendees came from, although it is assumed that most of them came from Michigan.

Individuals known to have had contact with the young woman have received prophylaxis. Because of the difficulty in identifying contacts and the apparent extensive contact that the young woman had, Department of Community Health officials recommend that all attendees receive precautionary treatment for meningococcal exposure. Antibiotics commonly used to prevent meningitis are ciprofloxacin and rifampin.

"It is vital that the 700 to 1,000 people who attended this party in Mason county seek medical treatment and consultation," said Johnson. "Many of those in attendance may not have told their parents about the party. However, it is crucial that they realize the possible consequences of not seeking follow-up care. Meningitis would put their health at serious risk."

Those who attended the party should seek medical care from their own physicians. For individuals without a physician, they should contact the local health department in their area.

Symptoms of meningitis include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion and sometimes a rash. Such symptoms may indicate a medical emergency and medical attention should be sought at once. Those at the party who develop these symptoms should get immediate medical care, and inform their health care providers about their possible exposure to someone with bacterial meningitis.

Ecstasy is one of the most popular rave drugs. Known chemically as MDMA, it is a stimulant that can cause hallucinations. It is usually sold in pill form and is often stamped with popular logos or cartoon caricatures. Some forms resemble chewable children's vitamins. It creates a sense of euphoria, increased energy, empathy and peacefulness.

Ecstasy causes deep depression, anxiety and paranoia, sometimes for weeks after taking the drug. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, can dehydrate users to a dangerous level and can increase body temperatures to as high as 108 degrees. Some users have died from heat stroke and studies have shown that it can cause long term brain damage and memory impairment, even after a single dose.