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Lifesaving Vaccines
“Vaccines remain the safest, most cost-effective protection against disease and will provide a powerful tool to address the COVID-19 pandemic”, as The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with both public and private sectors work toward a global goal. Immunization saves millions of lives every year. An example is the development of a conjugate meningococcal […]
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Meningococcal Carriage
A four cross-sectional studies of meningococcal carriage in people aged 9 months to 36 years in two districts of Burkina Faso between May 2, 2016, and Nov 6, 2017 was done to assess the long-term effect of MenAfriVac vaccination on meningococcal carriage and herd immunity. 7 years after the mass MenAfriVac campaign, there seemed to […]
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Meningitis Facts in UAE
Parents need to learn the facts about meningitis to protect their children in the UAE. Dr Iviano Ossuetta, head of paediatrics and neonatology at Danat Al Emarat Hospital was asked what parents need to know not to panic during a meningitis outbreak. While a worldwide problem, menigitis is not a very common condition in the […]
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Illinois Immunizations
The State of Illinois requires vaccinations to protect children depending on their age & what grade they are entering. Students must show proof of immunization against up to 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. One of them is the meningitis vaccine. The CDC – Centers for Disease Control recommends, “All children ages 11-15 years old receive MCV4 vaccine […]
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Antibiotic Resistant
Neisseria meningitidis isolates in the United States have been historically susceptible to penicillin and ciprofloxacin. These two antibiotics have been used for treatment in people with confirmed meningococcal infections and for prophylaxis in those with close contact with infected patients. Quick treatment with antibiotics is considered essential, as the disease can cause death within hours. In January, […]
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Vaccines for Newborns
Health Minister Chris Fearne announced that a meningococcal meningitis vaccine will be administered for free to newborns in Malta and Gozo. The vaccine will cover all types including A, B,C, W and Y of meningococcal meningitis administered in three doses by the department of health. “On average, Malta has about 10-15 cases of meningococcal meningitis […]
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Powerful Protein
University of Würzburg researchers found in a new study that a tiny protein plays a crucial role in the activation of genes in the meningococci bacteria that causes meningitis & sepsis. According to the scientists, “An RNA-binding protein known as ProQ, is associated with the activation of over 250 bacterial genes. ProQ facilitates the improved […]
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Stopping Meningitis
Meningitis can be easily mistaken for the flu because the initial symptoms such as a headache, fever, and stiff neck are similar. Meningitis though can kill in hours so it is important to recognize the symptoms, act swiftly and not to delay treatment. Reduce your risks by getting you and your children vaccinated. Learn about […]
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Still Critical
Eventhough COVID-19 has tragically impacted all aspects of life’s routines especially those of our children. With shelter in place, there is also a sharp decline in the usually scheduled childhood and teenage vaccinations. Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D, states, “Skipping or delaying these important immunizations, especially in early childhood, can create severe waves of preventable disease outbreaks […]
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Hospital Sued
The parents of 7-month-old Blaize Wheeldon, who died from meningitis @ Silverton Medical Center in Salem, Oregon are suing the hospital for $6.3 million. They accuse the hospital staff of medical negligence and the negligent infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit states, “Blaize showed significant signs and symptoms of systemic meningococcemia when he was first […]
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