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French Outbreak
Around 500 cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease are diagnosed each year in France and usually presents as meningitis or septicemia. Meningococcus is frequently carried in the pharynx, and 5% to 10% of the overall population are carriers at any one time. A vaccination campaign was launched to provide individual protection, to stop the spread of […]
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Listen to your Gut!
Blake, a 13-month-old had been sick with colds and other bugs on and off since starting daycare. His mother, a nurse, thought it was just a normal little bug because Blake would get over one thing and then start another. Then she noticed him holding his head funny and she realized neck stiffness is one […]
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At Risk
Gerard Rushton, The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand spokesperson, lost their 16-year-old daughter Courtenay to meningococcal disease in 2014. He is urging university students and other members of the public in Dunedin to seek medical attention urgently if they are showing any signs of the deadly disease especially after a case of meningococcal disease was […]
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Youth Dies
The Department of Public Health Mid-West is investigating a ‘single case of confirmed meningococcal disease in Limerick’. Following the death of the youth, close contacts are offered prophylactic treatment. People are encouraged to recognize the signs and symptoms including but not limited to severe headaches, fever, vomiting, drowsiness, discomfort from bright light, neck stiffness and […]
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Herd Immunity
Researchers from the University of Oxford reported findings from a large-scale study that examined the impact of the UK’s MenACWY vaccination program on the carriage of meningitis bacteria in the throats of UK teenagers. They demonstrated that by immunizing teenagers with MenACWY vaccines not only protect them directly, but also reduce the risk of others […]
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October 5th, World Meningitis Day
World Meningitis Day on Oct 5 is a day to raise awareness of meningitis which can often be deadly. The theme this year is “Join the Fight” and focuses on how we can all work together to fight meningitis. Recognize the symptoms of meningitis and if you think you or someone you know may have […]
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Protecting Children
Alexis Sharpe was almost six months old when she developed a fever which got progressively higher. She had been taken to the ER twice, where Jen, her mother, was assured that Alexis just had a virus. At home, Alexis had a seizure, so she was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance where she was […]
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Loses Leg
Loses Leg Rafael Castellano, 32-year-old professional dancer from Orlando, Florida, lost both of his legs after a three-month bout with meningococcal meningitis. He wrote on his Facebook post that, “It was the hardest decision of my life to have my legs amputated but I know I am going to dance, run and maybe even pick […]
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Deadly Cases
A Sydney man dies of meningococcal disease and Executive Director of Health Protection NSW Dr Jeremy McAnulty said, “Early intervention can be lifesaving. If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately.” There have been 15 cases of meningococcal diseases reported in New South Wales. People should be vigilant, recognize the […]
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Key Knowledge
Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician explained to students heading off to college that spending time together in close quarters could put them at higher risk for contagious illnesses including bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can spread by sneezing or kissing and sharing food or drinks. Symptoms can present as fever, a stiff […]
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