Meningococcal Meningitis is a disease that has surfacedthroughout the country, causing life long side affects and potentially killing.Though it is rare, the problem is many people, especially college students, areunaware it even exists.
Meningococcal (MUH-nin-juh-coc-cal) Meningitis, orMeningococcal disease, is a bacteria that infects the meninges, the thin liningsurrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Once the bacteria gets to the meninges, inflammation beginsand two illnesses can occur: septicemia, or blood poisoning, and meningitis,which is an infection of the brain membranes.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics. However, it can be fatal if immediateactions are not taken. Even then,possibilities of side effects such as loss of hearing or limb amputation canoccur if its not caught in time.
Dr. Peter Dawson, M.D., Director of student health atSouthern University, said no one is immune to the disease. “It can affect anybody, especiallypeople who live in close quarters and crowded living areas.”
Because of this, colleges and universities across thecountry are spreading word about the disease in hopes that students will takepreventative steps and be cautious.
Elaine Vaughn, student health educator at East High Schoolin Denver, agrees. “I make sureall of the students, especially the seniors, have a pamphlet onmeningitis. We’re trying to makeit so that everyone is aware and careful.”
According to World Health Organization, Meningococcalmeningitis first surfaced in 1805 when an outbreak spread through Geneva,Switzerland. The actual cause ofthe outbreak, however, was not discovered until 1887.
Some early signs of the disease include headaches, fever,and skin rash.
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