-
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 […]
Continue reading -
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 […]
Continue reading -
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 […]
Continue reading -
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 […]
Continue reading -
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 […]
Continue reading -
MenFive for Africa
MenFive is the result of a 13-year-collaboration between India’s Serum Institute and the global health organisation PATH. Funded by the UK, MenFive is the first conjugate vaccine that protects against the A, C, W, Y and X serogroups of the meningococcal meningitis infection. The X serogroup is the new type which is increasingly predominant in […]
Continue reading -
Vital Facts
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that line the brain & spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis usually has a more sudden onset and is more severe. The symptoms can be fever, severe headache, vomiting and neck stiffness, etc. Adolescents and college students are at higher risk for the disease. Check with your doctor […]
Continue reading -
Important Immunizations
The percentage of Alberta school aged children who received important routine immunizations dropped dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon MacDonald, RN, associate professor in the Faculty of Nursing and adjunct professor in School of Public Health stated, “School vaccinations came to a standstill during the pandemic.” Her team of researchers concluded after reviewing 289,420 records. […]
Continue reading -
Virginia Cases
There have been twelve cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) type Y reported since June 2022 in Eastern Virginia. Three patients have died from complications associated with the disease. Dr Amesh Adalja, Infectious diseases specialist with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Health Security says, “it’s important to recognize that these […]
Continue reading -
Different Types
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The most common type is viral meningitis which typically resolves without treatment. Bacterial meningitis, however, can be deadly within hours so early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Cases of fungal, parasitic, and amebic meningitis do occur in the United States, but […]
Continue reading