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Two children in Boston day-care centers diagnosed with potentially dangerous bacterial infection, but officials say the risk from them is past

The Boston Public Health Commission reports that two children in "day care centers specializing in serving children who have experienced homelessness" in the city were diagnosed with an infection of meningococcal disease, caused by a bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicemia.

However, the commission, which did not further describe the two cases, says that the risk anybody else might become infected from these cases has largely abated:

The last date that either case was at one of the day care centers was October 18 and no secondary cases have been identified at this time. As a precaution, BPHC has recommended that all individuals who may have been exposed to either case receive prophylactic antibiotics. BPHC is working with the day care centers to ensure all known clients and staff have been contacted, evaluated, and received prophylactic treatment to reduce the risk for further infection. BPHC is receiving assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as the investigation and follow up with known contacts continues.

The bacteria, which is treated with antibiotics, and for which a vaccine is available, is "spread from person to person through saliva, requiring close contact with infected individuals," the commission says, adding that unlike measles, it does not survive long after the infected person has left a room

The incubation period for a new case can be up to ten days, but is usually less than four. Symptoms, which come on suddenly, can include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and confusion.

Earlier this month, the commission announced the first Bostonian case of measles since 2013.

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Comments

Sad that they can't seem to get a break and they are only tiny children!

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"has passed" preferred vs "is past"

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