A team from the Army’s Medical Command on Monday began interviewing those who had contact with the three people who recently died of meningococcal infection.
The U.S.-based, five-member epidemiology consultation team arrived in Germany on Friday to investigate the outbreak of meningococcal infection. The threat of more cases does exist, as the disease’s incubation period can be as long as 10 days.
A soldier, an Army spouse and an Air Force civilian died in Germany within six days of each other recently from meningococcal infection.
Pfc. Dave Robbins, a 20-year-old light vehicle mechanic with the 1st Infantry Division, died Jan. 28 at the Würzburg Army Hospital.Lindsey Ferris, a 26-year-old Office of Special Investigations agent at Spangdahlem Air Base, died Jan. 29.Kimberly Wesson, a 23-year-old employee at the Schweinfurt commissary, died Feb. 3.The team will review medical records and automated medical systems to study data on doctor visits and laboratory test results, according to a Europe Regional Medical Command news release. Other members are formulating a vaccination contingency plan in the event the investigation warrants such action.
A hotline has been established to answer questions about the disease. The phone number is: 0931-804-3877. U.S. Army Europe also has posted a Web site at www.hqusareur.army.mil/medalert.
