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Meningitis is an infection that causes an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In some cases the bacteria invade the blood stream and cause Meningococcemia, Bacteremia, or Neisseria Bacterial Sepsis.
Two
types of meningitis lead the race for the most deadly and mutilating. They are
Meningococcal and Pnuemococcal . They are caused by two types of
bacteria. These bacteria live naturally in the nasal, throat, or the upper
respiratory tract. Both are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the
exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing).
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as
things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual
contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has
been.
In recent years Haempohilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a major cause of bacterial meningitis but because of vaccination of infants. This one has been almost eliminated.
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS
is caused by Neisseria meningitidis (also called meningococcal meningitis) . People in the same household or day-care center, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend) would be considered at increased risk of acquiring the infection. People who qualify as close contacts of a person with meningitis caused by N. meningitidis should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting the disease.
Meningococcal meningitis is and has been epidemic proportions in various places around the world.
The United States experiences outbreaks each year. there are some 3,000-5,000 cases reported around the country. Some die and some are left with life long health problems including limb amputations, deafness, blindness and other organ damage.
There is a vaccine (Menomune) that protects against four strains of N. meningitidis, C, Y,W135 a A,
(It does not protect form B).
It is not routinely used in the United States.
However it is used to control outbreaks of some types of meningococcal meningitis.
College freshman, especially those who live in dormitories are at higher risk for meningococcal disease and should be educated in their high school senior year Public Service Announcement about the availability of Menomune which can decrease their risk.
Infants and children 2~4 years old are at the highest risk.
However there is an increase of cases in adolescents 12-17 year olds. Attending camps and boarding schools may put them at an even higher rate. Those College students living in dorms are in a 5 fold risk increase.
The best protection is to educate yourself and make informed decisions on how to protect your children. Talk to you doctor.
According to some experts, SMOKERS harbor/carry the bacteria and infants, children and young adults exposed to second hand smoke are at a higher risk.
Letting your children eat and drink after you may be dangerous.
Pnuemococcal Meningitis
Pnuemococcal Meningitis
is caused by the bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae)
Of the nearly 20 million children under 5 in the United States, about 1,400
contracted Pnuemococcal meningitis last year. That's 7 out of every 100,000.
Many of these children suffered permanent hearing loss and paralysis.
Infants and young children are at risk for invasive Pnuemococcal diseases. Because these diseases are easily passed among children through sneezing or hand-to-mouth contact. Antibiotic use and group-child-care attendance may also increase your child's risk for invasive Pneumococcal disease.
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Make sure your child care facility knows about preventing contagious diseases.
Bacteremia (bacteria in blood), also referred
to as blood infection, accounts for an estimated minimum of 17,000 cases each
year in children less than 5 years old. Bacteremia can resolve on its own
but can also cause serious
diseases including bone, soft-tissue, and joint infections. Antibiotic resistance
and the widespread use of antibiotics has caused them
to be ineffective at times. This is a growing concern in the case of life-threatening
Pneumococcal diseases. And that is why it is important to help prevent your
child from needing antibiotics in the first place.
Warning Graphic Pictures
This is what ultimately took the hearing, part of a leg, fingers from this little one's left hand, and still causing complications with the kidney and other extremities even 4 years later.
Please be informed on these diseases
and speak to your
family physician or pediatrician
about protecting your infant, child or young
adult from these deadly mutilating diseases.
Meningitis cases should be reported to state or local health departments to assure follow-up of close contacts and recognize outbreaks.
Signs and Symptoms Life After Meningitis
NOTE !! Overseas travelers should check to see if meningococcal vaccine is recommended for their destination. Information on areas for which meningococcal vaccine is recommended can be obtained by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (404)-332-4565.
