News outlets report the Macon County Public Health Department announced Wednesday that a second death within the past three weeks is also suspected to be caused by the disease. That death is still under investigation. No further details were provided, with the department citing privacy laws. County officials say preventative antibiotics are being given to those who came in close contact with people infected with the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. They’re working with the state Division of Public Health to help contain the outbreak. Officials say anyone experiencing symptoms of bacterial meningitis, which include sudden fever, severed headache, a stiff neck and stomach pain, should go to the emergency room. Macon County is in western North Carolina.
1 confirmed bacterial meningitis death in North Carolina.