Meningitis
(Meningococcal Meningitis)
Bacterial infection that causes Meningitis (an inflammation of the brain membranes), can occur world wide, but is more prevalent in the 'Meningitis Belt'. This area consists of Sub-Sahara African countries and the bacteria are often worse during dry seasons, and increased during war, and famine.

A vaccine is present against the A, C, W, and Y forms of this disease. At this point there is no vaccine for the B subtype although researchers are working on it. This vaccine is mandatory for people traveling during the Haj to Mecca. Saudi Arabia used to use the C type vaccine, but uses W-135 vaccine now.

Symptoms incubate after 2-10 days. Cold like symptoms develop into malaise, fever, headache, neck irritation, and a rash. The rash is indicator of widespread blood infection (septicemia). It is a collection of bleeds under the skin. If you suspected Meningitis you MUST be treated with Penicillin (or other suitable antibiotics) as soon as possible. The vaccine is recommended for all individuals over 2 months.

The vaccine may be given to younger individuals but the response may not be as good as with adults. If Penicillin is given prior to admission, the patient will have a 50% better prognosis.

Other On-Line Resources
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/bid/respdis/infmen_e.html
Health Canada
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo
U.S. Centers for disease Control and Prevention
www.meningitis.ca
Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada
www.studantvaccines.ca
Aventis pasteur Limited web site that promotes vaccination for students