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World Meningitis Day
Oct 5 is now observed globally to raise public & political awareness about meningitis and its consequences. Meningitis is a disease in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. The infection is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. The treatment depends on the causative organism. The campaign’s theme “Advocacy and Engagement” […]
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Meningitis Rash Test
Nikki Jurcutz, a parent educator behind Tiny Hearts, created a tool showing how to test a rash present when a person is ill. If you press on the rash and the skin color does not change, it might mean they have a serious illness like meningococcal disease which can become deadly within hours. Also if other symptoms […]
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Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
A consensus work between vaccination committees & medical experts established the most common vaccine -preventable diseases. These experts have agreed on a new vaccination plan for adolescence that takes into account meningococcal vaccines, Human papillomavirus (HPV), pertussis, the Flu and COVID-19 & other travel recommendations. Adolescents are the second age group at highest risk of invasive […]
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Save a Life!
Meningitis is often spread by kissing, sneezing or coughing, sharing things that have been in other people’s mouth. Teenagers are the most at risk group after young children due to their lifestyle. The infection can also be spread by a “healthy carrier”, people who are not exhibiting any symptoms but carry the infection in their […]
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Suspect Meningitis
NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) expert committee provided new guidelines for GPs to always suspect bacterial meningitis strongly in people with the ‘red flag’ combination of symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck and altered level of consciousness. They said meningitis can present with non-specific symptoms and signs, develop rapidly and can be […]
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Virginia Outbreak
With already 27 cases of meningococcal disease, The VDH (Virginia Department of Health) is announcing a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease. The bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis type Y, have been reported in eastern, central, and southwest Virginia since June 2022. This development during this period of time, is three times the expected number of cases. Five patients […]
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Hangover? Or Not!
If you wake up with symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting, stomach cramps after a night of big drinking, you might mistake it for a hangover, or something less serious. Or it could be meningitis! Students run the risk of not seeking help for this sometimes deadly infection until it’s too late. Seek medical help if you […]
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Required Back to School Immunizations
West Virginia health leaders want to make sure children are safe and healthy to go back to school. All children & preadolescents in the state have to show proof of immunization for several vaccines. Check with your medical provider to see if your child is up-to-date on all their shots. Dr. Joe Matusic, pediatrician, stated […]
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August is National immunization Month
It’s time to check immunizations records for children as well as adults to make sure they are up to date. August being the National Immunization Awareness month, the importance of vaccination is highlighted for people of all ages. Adults may be at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions as […]
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South Australian Death
Luke Wingfield, 36, woke up with a fever at his Ferryden Park home, north-west Adelaide. His cousins, who were living with him, believed he would bounce back from his initial flu-like symptoms but did not. His family called an ambulance after his condition escalated and he could not get out of bed. Saying that his symptoms weren’t […]
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