According to the Anash.org website, Hatzalah emphasized strongly that medical treatment must begin immediately with the appearance of any symptoms. The organization called on anyone experiencing sudden fever or unusual headache, whether or not a rash appears, and feeling weakness or unusual illness, not to wait but to seek urgent medical help immediately.
According to health officials and the competent authorities at New York City, meningococcal disease generally requires close, intimate or prolonged contact to pass from person to person. The main risk group includes family members living in the same household, romantic partners, or people who shared drinks, utensils, eating implements or other personal items that were exposed to the saliva of a sick person.
In contrast, health officials clarify that casual, everyday contact, such as shared time in a classroom, work office, shul or similar public spaces, is generally not considered high-risk exposure. However, people who have been defined as having had close direct contact with the patient may be required to take preventive antibiotic treatment, which must be obtained as soon as possible, even if they have previously been vaccinated against the disease.
Symptoms may appear within two to ten days from the time of exposure to the bacteria, with symptoms usually emerging within about five days and tending to develop at a rapid and dangerous pace. The list of possible symptoms pointed out by health officials includes high fever, severe headaches, severe stiffness in the neck, repeated and persistent vomiting, states of confusion, particularly strong muscle pain, extreme cold sensation in the hands and feet, unusual weakness, and the appearance of a characteristic rash on the patient's body.
Hatzalah noted that they are in continuous and full contact with every development in the situation, and that the organization's teams stand ready to direct and assist anyone who needs medical guidance or clarification.
