Originally published September 29 2005
Debilitating brain and spinal cord disease is preventable, doctors say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Doctors say Meningococcal Meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord and can result in tissue or organ damage, permanent disability or even death, is preventable if people get immunized against it, WSOCTV reports.
Meningococcal Meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (the meninges).
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacterium.
The disease is spread through contact with respiratory droplets of people having the infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,400 to 2,800 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur each year in the U.S. In the early stages, symptoms are similar to those of the flu - fever, headache, confusion, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, weakness and fatigue.
However, in about one-third of infected patients, the bacteria overwhelm the body and cause severe complications.
Patients may suddenly develop a rash, high fever, irritability, seizures, loss of consciousness, and tissue or organ damage.
Nearly 20 percent of the survivors are left with some type of permanent disability, like deafness, brain damage, limb loss, skin scarring or hearing loss.
Meningococcal meningitis can occur at any age.
However, the highest rates of infection are in infants and adolescents.
College freshmen living in dormitories are especially at high risk.
The vaccine provides protection against four of the five types of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
Researchers say Menactra is expected to provide immunity for up to 10 years and will also prevent person-to-person transmission of the bacteria.
Although meningococcal meningitis isn't that common, the disease can have devastating consequences.
That's why health experts say it's so important to make sure children are immunized.
The vaccine is recommended for routine immunization of adolescents at 11 or 12.
Children who did not previously receive a meningococcal meningitis vaccine should receive a shot when they enter high school or college.
For information about your child's need for a meningitis shot, talk with your family health care provider.
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