Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 Source: Powell River Peak (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Peak Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.prpeak.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/734 Author: Isabelle Southcott, Peak Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth