This bacterial meningitis is not highly communicable, so no preventive antibiotics will be recommended for people who have had contact with the girl, said Joseph Miner, director of the Utah County Health Department.

By contrast, the meningoccal meningitis bacterium is highly contagious and easily spreads among people.

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium commonly causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections in children and adults. For that reason, the health department recommends pneumococcal vaccines - such as Prevnar or Pnemovax - for infants and young children as well as for people of any age who are at high risk for complications from respiratory infections. Both vaccines are available from most physicians as well as the Utah County Health Department's Immunization Clinic.

When the bacterium infects the blood or brain, it replicates so quickly that patients can die within hours. The health department saw an average of two similar cases a year over the past four years.

Miner said the public should not be alarmed but should be vigilant.

"Individuals who experience flu or flu-like symptoms which appear severe should see their physician. Blood tests and cultures can help distinguish between the flu and bacterial infections," he said.

- Carey Hamilton