Read below important information related to meningitis. There is also a link to article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adolescents face an increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease (meningitis), which is a rare, but potentially fatal illness that may strike without warning. In some cases - even with treatment - meningitis can kill an otherwise healthy young person within less than 48 hours. An adolescent can become infected with meningitis through close personal contact with an infected person. Children should avoid sharing water bottles or eating utensils. Other behaviors that may increase the risk of infection include: remaining in a crowded environment for a prolonged period of time, kissing, smoking, or exposure to smoke and participating in other activities that may weaken the immune system, such as failing to get adequate sleep. Meningitis symptoms may include fever, headaches, and nausea and may resemble flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include stiff neck, numbness, or loss of feeling, light sensitivity, or confusion. The risk of infection can be greatly reduced through meningococcal vaccination which is available for children under the age of 18 through the Free Vaccines Program administered by the Department of Health. In January 2011, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) revised the recommendations for any conjugate meningococcal vaccine between 11 and 15 years of age. The ACIP concluded that a booster dose is the best immunization strategy to protect adolescents during the entire period of increased risk and provide more opportunities to increase immunization rates. For further information, parents may check with their health care providers and/or refer to the following website: cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6003a3.htm
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 23:09:01 +0000
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