A New Zealand teenager from Wairarapa College on the North Island escaped death without serious complications from meningitis earlier this month.

His mother, who is a nurse, wants to increase awareness to protect others from this rare, but potentially deadly or disabling disease.  Her son was lucky, but everyone should be aware of the symptoms and emergency treatment of this disease.  The scariest part of diagnosing the disease is that the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are not always present.  Be aware that being immunized against meningitis is the safest way to protect yourself.  The life you save may be your own!

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