County health officials want to warn anyone who might have had closecontact with Aretha Fedee since May 30 to contact the Warren County HealthDepartment.
Fedee's cousin Kristy Watson is having a hard time dealing with the loss.She says she can hardly believe Fedee is gone. Grieving makes itdifficult to think about anything else-- especially the possibility ofhaving contracted the disease herself.
The disease is contagious, but is only transmitted by close contactsuch as kissing, and sharing food, utensils or drink containers. Any childunder the age of 5 who has been exposed to the infected person should alsobe checked. That includes Fedee's newborn baby.
Health officials are also interviewing friends and family of Fedee todetermine who may have been exposed to the illness. So far, they'veidentified 33 people who may be at risk.
Health officials say the various forms of meningitis can besuccessfully treated when diagnosed early. Symptoms include sudden fever,nausea and vomiting, a pink rash, intense headache and a stiff or achingneck.
The telephone number for the Warren County Health Department is919-257-1185.
Photographer:Mark Copeland
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