Meningitis

• Meningitis causes an inflammation of the meninges, the lining of the brain and spinal cord and causes flu-like symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, high fever and body aches that progress rapidly.
• There are two types of meningitis viral or "aseptic" meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Symptoms of bacterial and viral meningitis are often the same, so if symptoms are present see your doctor immediately. Spinal fluid will need to be assessed to determine what virus or bacteria is the cause of the meningitis.
• Viral meningitis is the most common type and is caused by an infection with one of several types of viruses. Viral meningitis is serious, but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. There are no specific treatments for viral meningitis.
• Bacterial meningitis can be very serious and result in disability or death if not treated promptly. It can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics.
• Meningococcal disease, including meningitis, can occur at any time. It can kill a young healthy person in 48 hours. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, with approximately 10-12 % not surviving. Although the disease is rare, it can be devastating.
• Those who survive the disease may still have life changing results, such as hearing loss, learning disabilities, loss of limb, severe scarring, and more.
• How is meningitis spread? It is spread from one person to another by close personal contact with actual sharing of saliva of an infected person. Sharing water bottles and drinks, coughing without mouth covered with close contact, kissing, and sharing utensils are some ways of transmission.
• Living in close quarters, such as dormitories, being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time, smoking or being exposed to smoke and participating in activities that may waken the immune system, such as staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns will put someone at risk.
• Visit the CDC site for more in-depth information on meningitis: 

Reference:

• CDC, Meningococcal disease General Information: CDC Bacterial, Mycotic Disease
• CDC. Meningococcal disease

Menactra Vaccine 

• There are two vaccines against N. meningitides available in the US. The newer, Menactra vaccine, was licensed February 2005 and is the vaccine currently being administered at Wisconsin Health Departments. Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of meningitis, but does protect many people who might become sick if they didn't get the vaccine. 
• The Menactra Vaccine is being recommended for adolescents at the 11-12 year MD visit, the 15 year old visit or seniors, upon entering college. The Menactra vaccine is said to give longer and better protection than the first released vaccine to protect against Bacterial Meningitis.a

Please click here for more information on this vaccine.

Interested in receiving the Menactra Vaccine?

• First discuss information with your private physician and check with your insurance company. If you decide to receive this vaccine, and your insurance will cover the immunization, call your physician's office or the VNA to schedule an appointment.
• The VNA accepts health insurance and has weekly meningitis vaccination clinics at its office 11333 W. National Ave in West Allis every Tuesday from 3pm to 5:30pm through August. Registration is required. 

If your insurance does not cover this immunization and your are 18 years or younger go to your local Health Department.

• Franklin Health Department - 425-9101 - Appointment required, Cost: Free
• Greenfield health Department - 329-5275 - Appointment required, Cost: $5.00. (Free to those who cannot afford the fee.)
• Hales Corners Health Department - 529-6155 - Appointment Required, Cost: $2.00. (Free to those who cannot afford the fee.)

Students 19 years and above

• Students who are over 19 years of age and who do not have insurance coverage should call the WCTC Community Nursing Clinic . They have evening and Saturday hours.