Routine childhood vaccinations have drastically fallen, raising the risk of outbreaks of more than a dozen vaccine-preventable serious illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency has ad campaigns on TV and social media which will include clips of children asking parents whether their immunizations are up to date. “If we’re not vaccinated, we’re not protected. We could get seriously ill, risking life-long disabilities.” Read the full article ..read more

A19-year-old student in the first year of medicine at the Catholic University of Lille, France died after being infected with meningococcal bacteria. She was at home when she suddenly fell ill. Emergency services were notified but despite immediate intervention, the girl’s condition continued to deteriorate. Close contacts were identified by the regional health agency to provide them with prophylactic antibiotics. Read the full article ..read more

Hawke’s Bay school nurse Caryn Williams is warning parents & young adults to be vigilant about the transmission and symptoms of meningococcal disease as the school year resumes! “New Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) data shows the number of cases of meningococcal disease among Kiwi teenagers and young adults increased by 88 per cent over the same time last year”. Early symptoms can be difficult to diagnose but can progress quickly. Williams states, “There are numerous risk factors in these environments, including sharing of vapes and beverages, attending events with la ..read more

There are two vaccines that you should make sure you have to protect you against meningococcal disease. Symptoms of fever, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, stiff neck, rash etc. may sometimes feel like a bad hangover or mild illness. Meningitis and septicemia can kill so contact your doctor to learn about vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read the full article ..read more

Manitoba Public Health officials have identified a recent increase in the number of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections presenting as either meningitis or bacteremia (infection in the bloodstream). Healthy carriers, people can carry the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without being ill, make up about 10 per cent. These people can spread the bacteria through respiratory droplets and saliva with close or prolonged contact with others. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms worsen or if people they care for become very ill. Keep up ..read more

Lachy Wright, 18-year-old Frankston teenager almost died when he contracted the B strain of the meningococcal disease. His mild symptoms progressed quickly and within 2 days was taken to the hospital & placed in a coma. He has been vaccinated against strains A, C, W and Y but not the B vaccine. Eligibility criteria to receive the B vaccine is decided by the federal government but some states have implemented their own state-funded programs of providing free access to the B vaccine. Lachy and his parents are advocating for the Victorian government to implement a similar program. Read the fu ..read more

The Ohio Jefferson General Health District confirmed 2 cases of meningococcal disease, A third suspected case is awaiting results, all children. These children do not attend the public school system. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing the air where someone infected with meningococcal disease has been. Stay up to date on vaccines to protect yourself and others. Either contact your primary care provider or go to the emergency hospital if you are experiencing symptoms. Read the full article ..read more

Mel Groenewold was only 17 when she lost four limbs to meningococcal disease. For a long time after that, Mel was angry and frustrated by all the things her body could no longer do. It took years and a lot of therapy to work through her emotional & physical struggles. After over a decade of feeling afraid to be seen without her prosthetics @ a beach event led by author & confidence coach Heidi Anderson, Mel removed them & went to the beach on her knees. Anderson told the group to be on their knees for the group photo. That moment started Mel on a new path of self-acceptance and emp ..read more

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in Newry is calling people to be vigilant of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, a potentially life threatening illness which is at its highest during the winter months. Louise Flanagan, Consultant in PHA states, “The symptoms are often non-specific. In the early stages it could be mistaken for other illnesses such as flu. However, the disease can develop very quickly and it is important to seek urgent medical attention if you think meningitis is a possibility.” Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself from many infectious diseases. They create a ..read more

Luke Mortimer , 10-year-old quad amputee contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia when he was only seven. After years of painful surgeries, wound care, endless sessions of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, learning to walk & run on prosthetic legs and getting his robotic arm, he’s ready to attempt the gruelling task of climbing Embsay Crag. Ever since their move to a bungalow adapted for his needs, he was determined to climb Embsay Crag which he can see from their garden. He will embark on this steep climb of 2 mile’ challenge and down to raise money for other chi ..read more