What is meningococcal disease and meningitis?
An infection with meningococcal bacteria causes a serious, potentially fatal but rare infection called meningococcal disease. You may have heard it referred to as bacterial meningitis.

Up to 1 in 10 people who get this disease die from it.

Up to 1 in 5 people who survive suffer lasting physical and/or emotional damage.

Who gets meningitis?
Even people who are usually healthy can get meningitis. Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk for catching the disease.

How does a person catch meningitis?
It is spread through common everyday activities including, but not limited to, coughing, sneezing, kissing and drink sharing.

 
How can a person prevent meningitis?
While there isn’t a way to be 100 percent protected, you can help reduce the risk of getting meningitis by avoiding the behaviors that spread it. There is also a vaccination that can help prevent it, called Menactra.

What are signs & symptoms of meningitis?
Early Signs:
*High Fever             *Cold hands & feet
*Leg Pain                *Lethargy

Classic Signs:
*Rash                     *Headache/Stiff Neck
*Sensitivity to light   *Joint Pain
*Nausea/vomitting   *Confusion
*Eventually mental & physical impairment and/or death!

It is often and easily mistaken for the flu; it comes on very suddenly and progresses extremely quickly. It can kill a healthy young person in less than 48 hours!

Learn more about Meningitis:

FDA:

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01729.htmlCenter
Center for Disease & Control: http://www.cdc.gov/

Meningitis Angels: http://www.meningitis-angels.org/

Meningitis Foundation of America:   http://www.meningitisfoundationofamerica.org/templates/

Confederations of Meningitis Organizations: http://www.comoonline.org/

American College Health Association: http://www.acha.org/

FlyHigh Racing: http://flyhighracing.tripod.com/
Fight Meningitis: www.fightmeningitis.com

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