Rare infections investigated in Central Ore.

BEND, Ore. (AP) - Central Oregon health officials are investigating the possibility of a connection among three meningococcal infections in two weeks, the latest of which led to an infant's death.

The Bend Bulletin reports that if they're from the same strain of bacteria, Central Oregon could be experiencing a small outbreak of meningococcal disease.

In addition to the infant, a 24-year-old man was diagnosed with meningococcal disease and is in critical condition at a Bend hospital, and a stricken 16-year-old boy is recovering.

The bacterium is not highly contagious, and only those in close physical contact are at risk.

State officials are testing patient samples to see if the illnesses were caused by the same strain.

Dr. Paul Cieslak of the state's communicable disease program says the cases may be "a chance clustering."

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.