Civilian Airman lost to fatal case of meningococcal meningitis Published Sept. 22, 2019 By 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- A civilian employee assigned to 319th Force Support Squadron died from a fatal infection of meningococcal meningitis over the weekend. “This loss is a difficult one for the base,” said Col Johnathan Compton, 319th Medical Group commander. “Not only are coworkers, friends and family grieving, but we also focused on preventative measures for anyone who came into close personal contact with the deceased. We are actively working to take care of our civilian Airman’s family and coworkers during this difficult time, and offer our heartfelt condolences.” Working with the North Dakota State Epidemiologist, close contacts were notified and given appropriate antibiotics while the work center was disinfected as a precaution. A form of bacterial meningitis, this illness requires a significant amount of contact to pass to someone else (e.g. by living in close quarters, sharing drinks), so there is not a risk to members of the general public at this time. Active duty military members are immunized against this organism as is much of the general public at age 11-12 with a booster between ages 16-18. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent meningococcal meningitis. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. For more information about meningococcal meningitis and who should be vaccinated, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html. Base personnel may contact the 319th Medical Group’s Public Health Clinic at 701-747-5172 for additional questions.