SHARING JOINTS LINKED TO MENINGITIS

Bacterium Is Transmitted Through Saliva

Sharing isn't always a good thing. In fact, sometimes it can be deadly.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is urging people not to share marijuana
joints after this practice was linked to several cases of meningococcal
disease--including two that resulted in death.

VCH has recorded five cases of meningococcal disease since November 2004.
Four of the five people regularly smoked and shared marijuana, and two died
as a result of their infection.

"Sharing joints, which has been reported in other clusters of meningococcal
cases, exposes users to saliva that may contain the meningococcal
bacteria," said Dr. Patricia Daly, director of communicable disease control
for VCH. "Those who smoke and share marijuana on a regular basis are urged
to either change their behaviour or get vaccinated."

Meningococcal disease is potentially fatal, and caused by meningococcus, a
bacterium that can be spread via saliva through sharing of joints,
cigarettes and drinks. It can also be transmitted through kissing and
sexual contact where saliva sharing occurs.

Dr. Paul Martiquet, medical health officer for Coast Garibaldi, said it's
the sharing of saliva that is the issue here. "We have noticed the
correlation in terms of possible risk factors for these meningococcal
cases," he told The Peak. The sharing of saliva isn't limited only to the
sharing of joints; it includes sharing crack pipes and any other item that
goes in someone's mouth--including drink bottles and glasses.

Some people carry this germ in their throat or nose without getting sick.
In rare instances, the germ overcomes the body's natural defences and
causes serious diseases, including bacterial meningitis or meningococcemia,
a widespread infection of the blood and other organs.

High fever, headache and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningococcal
infection, which can develop suddenly. Other symptoms may include nausea,
vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness.
While few individuals exposed to the bacteria will develop meningitis or
infections, meningococcal infection can be very serious, sometimes causing
brain damage or death.

A province-wide meningococcal C vaccination program for gay men was
launched in December 2004 after an unusually high number of cases with that
particular strain were recorded in that population. Gay and bisexual men
can still receive the vaccine at no charge. Free vaccine is also available
for all one-year-old children and students in grades six to nine. Others
can purchase the vaccine from VCH's travel clinic or through their family
physician.