World Meningitis Day is April 25th, 2009.
There are several organizations whose goal is to increase the awareness of Meningitis. Here are two of the websites that we thought are well worth a look:
http://www.comoonline.org/
http://www.meningitis-angels.org/
What is Meningitis and what are the symptoms?
Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection characterized by sudden onset with fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and frequently, a rash with pink macules that develops petechiae. (www.cdc.gov)
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, travelers to sub-Saharan Africa may be at risk for meningococcal disease. Individuals that plan to travel to countries in the meningitis belt during the dry season are strongly advised to get the meningococcal vaccine. This is especially recommended for travelers that will have prolonged contact with local populations.
The vaccination against meningitis is not a required for travelers to any country except for Saudi Arabia, where travelers to Mecca, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, must show proof of vaccination.
Check the CDC Travelers’ Health Website for updated advisories for travelers as they will be issued when epidemics of meningitis are reported.
The following video provides a true story of how Meningitis can affect even the healthiest.
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