FLORIDA TODAY Feb 7, 8:50 PM

FLORIDA TODAY Feb 7, 8:50 PM Girl, 14, battles rare illness she may have gotten from kiss By Corey Schubert

TITUSVILLE -- It was New Year's Eve in Fort Lauderdale and, in a festive moment, 14-year-old Shay Eadens shared a kiss with a boy. That innocent moment might have led to her catching a relatively rare disease that caused doctors to amputate three of her fingers, several fingertips and toes, and will keep her bound to a wheelchair for at least the next two years. Shay, who is being treated in a South Florida hospital, is no longer contagious with invasive meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that restricts blood flow. But with its ability to be spread through kissing, sharing eating utensils or a simple sneeze from an infected carrier, public health officials in Brevard County have looked into the case to ensure there's no threat of a major outbreak on the Space Coast. After investigating the incident, officials found there's no need for residents to worry, said Barry Inman, epidemiologist for the Brevard County Health Department. "There's no likelihood of this becoming a concern in Brevard," he said, noting about two to four cases of the disease are reported in the county each year. Shay, who longs for the day she can return home to sleep in her own bed and spend time with friends, is among about 2,500 people of all ages -- or one in 1,000 people --throughout the nation affected by the disease. About 135 Floridians have the disease, which most often affects people who have deficiencies in their immune system, according to the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology. College students living in dormitories also are at a modestly increased risk. Symptoms usually occur within 2 to 10 days after exposure and can include sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, stiff neck, vomiting and a rash. Invasive meningococcal disease can be life-threatening if not properly treated within about 24 hours after symptoms occur, with a death rate as high as 15 percent, the state bureau said. Shay became seriously ill on Jan. 3 while staying with friends and was taken to Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, said family friend Linda Linogon of Titusville. The eighth-grader at Jackson Middle School in Titusville then was sent to receive specialized treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, said her mother, Kaisu Bagley, 45, of Titusville. "She flat-lined in the process of transporting her from one hospital to another" and suffered heart damage before being revived, Bagley said. "We're hoping the damage is not permanent." Since then, Shay has clung to her faith in God and her wish to return to school next year. "I'll be home in about a month and I'm looking forward to seeing everybody," said Shay, who plans to become a fashion designer. "My friends help me get through this," she said, adding several friends from Titusville have visited her in the hospital. About 25 percent or more of the nation's population may carry the causative organism for the disease -- neisseria meningitidis -- in their nasal passages and never be affected, Inman said. "Rarely does the disease affect anyone," Inman said. "I may be a carrier and you may be a carrier, but we don't need to run out and get vaccinated or treated for this, unless you know you've been exposed to someone who is affected by the disease." Invasive meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that releases toxins that can shut down major organs, Inman said. This can lead to the loss of blood flow in fingers, toes and other body parts that may require amputation. Doctors already have removed three of Shay's fingers to the second knuckle, one toe and the tips of other fingers and toes, Bagley said. She has been treated with antibiotics, along with those who have come in contact with her since acquiring the disease, and will need to continue to take heart medication and undergo physical therapy for several years, Bagley said. This week, doctors will remove half of Shay's right foot, Bagley said. No other amputations appear to be needed. Shay's family said her strong will to battle the disease has been an inspiration. "She's my hero. She's a very brave young girl," said her aunt, Liisa Cull of Port St. John. "The doctors told us from the beginning that unless she was a fighter from within, she wouldn't make it." The Fort Lauderdale teen that Shay's family members think carried the disease and transmitted it to her was vaccinated shortly after Shay fell ill, Bagley said. He was not affected by any of the common symptoms, although two other Fort Lauderdale teens who were in contact with him also fell ill and have recovered after being vaccinated, she said. Public health investigators in Brevard informed officials at Shay's school about the incident, but found no related cases of the disease, Inman said. A vaccine is available through most area physicians, and in limited supply through the county's health department, to greatly lower the risk of acquiring invasive meningococcal disease, Inman said. However, the only people who may want to consider being vaccinated are those who soon plan to live in a college dormitory, Inman said. The best way to prevent the disease from occurring is by reducing the chance of direct droplet or saliva exposure through routine hygiene procedures, such as covering one's mouth while sneezing or coughing and by not sharing utensils, drinks and cigarettes, according to the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology.