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First Case
A student at Nazareth School San Diego, who tested positive for meningococcal disease, is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working with school officials to identify all close contacts of the ill student to determine if they needed preventive antibiotics. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public […]
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Risky Behavior
According to a recent study data, the risk for invasive fungal disease is higher among smokers. Annabelle Pourbaix, of the Necker-Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Paris, and colleagues wrote, “Smoking increases the risk for bacterial pneumonia and meningitis and second-hand smoke exposure is associated with increased risk for childhood invasive meningococcal disease.” Read the […]
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Fast & Deadly
Ashleigh Hunter, a vibrant 26 years, suddenly died from meningococcal disease just days after Christmas. Ashleigh from Geraldton north of Perth, woke on December 27 feeling sick but thought she just had the common cold. Her boyfriend got her cold and flu tablets, but the young woman quickly declined. She was taken to Royal Perth Hospital but died […]
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Best Defense
Experts say Immunization is still the best defense your child has against diseases. There have been outbreaks of diseases in certain parts of the United States, leading to serious illnesses, after effects and sometimes death. Please contact your medical provider to make sure your children & yourselves are up-to-date on all the immunizations. Read the full […]
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Survivor Photos
Australian-born and New York-based photographer, Anne Geddes said, “Life after meningococcal disease requires strength, determination and a spirit of overcoming. I wanted these images to capture the impact of the disease and celebrate the resilience of each of the survivors”. Anne became a global ambassador for Meningococcal Disease after witnessing a devastating outbreak in New […]
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Urgent Warning
A Cottingham High School student has been admitted to hospital and that people who have been in close contact have been treated with antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. Meningitis can be spread by kissing, sneezing, coughing, and sharing utensils. Public Health England issues information, “Not all these symptoms need to be present in all […]
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Moving Fast
Two pupils at the Birches Primary School, Northern Ireland contracted a meningococcal infection. Public Health Agency officials reassured parents that, “both families have received preventative medication (antibiotics), as the children and staff at the school.” They issued advice on how to recognize the symptoms of the disease which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. […]
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Mandatory
The Wyoming Department of Health plans to add meningococcal vaccination for children 11 and 16 years old to the state’s list of required shots for children. Public, part-time school or daycare attendees would also be required to get the vaccine at the required ages, as would home-schooled children participating in school-sanctioned activities. “Once the shot […]
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Trust Instincts
Nova, Taylor Dougan’s five-month-old daughter, was showing signs of what they originally thought was teething. Nova hadn’t eaten for 13 hours & started vomiting, was jaundiced and was in a “sleep-like coma,” according to her mom. They took Nova to the doctor who said she had gastroenteritis or the stomach flu – and the family […]
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Bad Headache
Jessica Cain, 21 years old, from Gateshead, England, died suddenly after complaining of a headache before going to sleep. She was found unresponsive the next morning when her mother tried to wake her up. She was given CPR while the paramedics arrived, but she could not be revived. The mother said that the whole family […]
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