Meningococcal Disease Awareness for Families

Meningococcal Disease Awareness for Families NATIONWIDE, U. S. – As students return to classrooms and college campuses, doctors are reminding families to make sure their children are up to date on recommended vaccinations and know the warning signs of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is uncommon, but it can become life-threatening quickly. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, or a serious bloodstream infection. For Jamie, an illness became a life-changing experience. Now, she and her mother, Patsy, are sharing what they went through in hopes other families will recognize the seriousness of the disease. Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can include a sudden fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to light. Meningococcal bloodstream infections can cause sepsis and may also produce a rash. Because the disease can worsen quickly, the CDC stresses the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical care promptly. Vaccination is one way to help prevent meningococcal disease. The CDC recommends routine vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine, or MenACWY, for adolescents. The first dose is recommended at ages 11 to 12, followed by a booster dose at age 16. For healthy teens and young adults ages 16 through 23, MenB vaccination is available based on shared clinical decision-making between the patient, family and healthcare provider, with ages 16 through 18 being the preferred time for vaccination. Doctors say the start of a new school year is a good opportunity for parents to review their child's vaccination record and talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended. For Jamie and Patsy, that conversation is personal, and they hope sharing their experience encourages other families to take meningococcal disease seriously