Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — When local students returned to the classrooms yesterday following the annual two-week holiday break, they were supposed to have been given a letter and form from the Department of Health, requesting that parents provide proof that their child has received his/ her vaccination for meningococcal disease.

Recent news reports about meningococcal cases in New Zealand have resulted in an alert being issued for island countries to be on the lookout for the potentially deadly disease, which presents with flu-like symptoms.

The local DOH is urging all parents to help by getting the little ones vaccinated.

DOH official, Dr. Saipale Fuimaono told Samoa News in an earlier interview that shots are administered in two doses — three months apart — for children 11 years old and older.

Vaccinations are available at any one of the DOH Health Centers and they are free of charge.

Samoa News points out that there have been deaths in the past, due to meningococcus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

"These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease."

webmd.com notes that "each year, approximately 1,000 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis and septicemia (blood infection).

Symptoms to look for:

• fever
• headache
• loss of appetite
• neck stiffness
• discomfort when looking at bright lights (photophobia)
• nausea and/or vomiting
• diarrhea
• aching or sore muscles

The CDC recommends vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine for all preteens and teens at 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at 16 years old so adolescents have protection during the ages when they are at highest risk.

The incubation period of meningococcal disease is 3 to 4 days, with a range of 2 to 10 days. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu), and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion.

"This is the time for parents to take action," Dr. Fuimaono says.