Meningitis

The Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) prevents a disease commonly called meningitis. Its official name is meningococcal disease.

Meningitis – Bacteria causes an infection of fluid surrounding the spinal cord and the brain. This is a very deadly disease if not treated immediately.

Information obtained from CDC
For additional information go here - then click on the disease.

SYMPTOMS:

Flu-like symptoms, severe headache, neck hurts, rash (this is very important to look for -- it is the only symptom that does not look like the flu; it looks like clusters of tiny pin pricks that are purplish in color and do not turn white when pressed), body aches, high fever.

WHAT TO DO:

If symptoms appear, contact your health care provider IMMEDIATELY.

Before symptoms occur, get your shots!

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES:

(Pictures can be graphic in nature. Caution).
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/menin/photos.asp

Four Facts About Meningitis

1. Helen Keller had meningitis at 19 months of age.
   Source: Helen Keller Foundation
2. Spice Girl Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham had viral meningitis in 2000. Source: BBC News
3. Ewan McGregor (starred in movies Black Hawk Down, Moulin Rouge, A Life Less Ordinary, Trainspotting) had a daughter Clara who contracted meningitis in 1997.
   Source: Interview on BBC Scotland.
4. Francisco Goya (a famous painter) became deaf at age 47 possibly due to meningitis. Source: PubMed

ADDITIONAL WEB SITES:

Q & A
CDC info
Sanofi Pastur web site