Fort Simpson (Feb 13/04) - Deh Cho health officials have launched an area-wide meningitis vaccination program after two cases of the disease, one of which proved to be fatal, were reported in the Sahtu last year.

The initiative is part of a territory-wide program to inoculate children from Type C meningitis, a disease that can cause blood infections and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Vaccinations are already under way at health centres in Fort Simpson, Fort Liard and Fort Providence, said Minnie Letcher, director of Deh Cho Health and Social Services.

Nurses will also travel to smaller centres in the coming weeks to carry out the program, she said.

"We hope to have the entire program completed by the end of March, but it may be done before then," she said.

NWT chief medical health officer Andre Corriveau recommended the vaccination program after two youths in the Sahtu contracted the disease in November and December of 2003.

One of a them, a 15-year-old girl from Fort Good Hope, died just hours after reporting to the area health centre.

The cost of the vaccination program is covered by the territorial government, so parents won't have to pay to have their children immunized, said Letcher.

Teens get it first

Children between the ages of 14 and 19 are being vaccinated first because they face the highest risk of contracting Type C meningitis, said Letcher.

After the teenagers, health officials will move onto kids in junior high, elementary school students and finally children over the age of one.

While it has been several years since the last case of meningitis was reported in the Deh Cho, it's still important to be cautious, said Letcher.

The disease can be spread through direct physical contact and through fluids, such as those expelled when people cough or sneeze.

Health officials warn high risk behaviours include kissing, as well as sharing cigarettes, toothbrushes and water bottles.

While the program is recommended by health officials, some parents are reluctant to have their children vaccinated. She said ultimately, it's a decision each parent has to make for themselves.

"We can't tell them what to do," she said. "It's up to parents to make an informed decision for their children," said Letcher.