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(AP) - Minnesota and North Dakota health officials have
identified the country's first known cases of meningitis bacteria
that's resistant to quinolone antibiotics, which are commonly given
to people who have close contact with individuals that have
meningococcal disease.

      The Minnesota Health Department said there was one such
drug-resistent case in eastern North Dakota and two cases in
northwestern Minnesota over the last 13 months.

 Meningococcal
infections are rare in Minnesota, with an average of 25 cases per
year.

      The Health Department said Friday the meningocuccus bacteria in
those three cases did not respond to the quinolone antibiotics
commonly used to prevent meningitis, bloodstream infections and
other serious infections from infecting others.


      State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield said the drug-resistant
strain was an important finding.

      "Even though there are other drugs that can be used to prevent
meningococcal disease, having one less weapon in our arsenal
reminds us of the importance of appropriate antibiotic use," she
said in a prepared statement.

      "Misuse of antibiotics, such as using antibiotics to treat
viral infections like the cold, is the biggest driver of antibiotic
resistance. We must use antibiotics carefully," he said.

      Health authorities are urging doctors in the Fargo-Moorhead area to use three other kinds of antibiotics
as a preventive treatment for people who have close contact to
those infected with meningococcal diseases.
      

Gallery

Fergus Falls child dies; meningitis suspected

Minnesota and North Dakota health officials have
identified the country's first known cases of drug-resistant meningitis bacteria.

Health officials find drug-resistant meningitis in Minn., N.D.

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