All articles tagged with #bacterial meningitis
An 18-year-old high school senior in Pennsylvania died from bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae, with the school district noting the disease is not typically contagious in school settings. The community mourns his loss, and health officials emphasize vaccination and proper treatment for bacterial meningitis.
The CDC has issued a warning about a surge in cases of a highly-invasive and potentially deadly strain of bacterial meningitis in New York, with at least 11 cases reported in New York City and one resulting in a fatality. The infection, caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, presents symptoms similar to allergies or common viruses, and can lead to serious health complications or death if left untreated. Health officials are urging residents to be vigilant, monitor symptoms, and consider vaccination, as the bacteria can spread through close contact. Vaccines are available to combat the five major bacteria strains that cause meningococcal disease, and individuals at higher risk include teens, young adults, infants, and those with compromised immune systems.
The CDC has issued a health alert regarding a rise in rare, serious meningococcal infections caused by a certain strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which are presenting with unusual symptoms and affecting middle-aged adults. These infections have a higher fatality rate than typical meningococcal infections and are disproportionately affecting Black individuals and those with HIV. Symptoms may not follow the typical pattern, making diagnosis challenging, and immediate antibiotic treatment is critical. The CDC recommends vaccination for children and individuals with compromised immune function, with boosters every 3 to 5 years for vulnerable groups.
Darryl Arnold, 41, died at Norfolk City Jail from bacterial meningitis, leaving his family devastated. His mother, sister, and twin brother are grieving and seeking answers. Darryl had complained of feeling unwell before being taken to the hospital, where he later died. The jail has no confirmed cases of meningitis, and the health department is monitoring the situation.
A former inmate of the Norfolk City Jail died from bacterial meningitis, prompting the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office to offer antibiotics and implement quarantine protocols for inmates and staff who may have had contact with the victim. While no additional cases have been confirmed in the jail, some individuals declined the antibiotic treatment. The Norfolk Health Department is investigating the case, which is separate from a recent meningitis-related death of a student at Francis Asbury Elementary School.
The Norfolk Department of Public Health is investigating a case of bacterial meningitis, following the recent death of a student from meningitis at Francis Asbury Elementary School in Hampton. The disease spreads through respiratory and throat secretions, and symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, altered mental status, and light sensitivity. Prevention is possible through vaccination, and the health department is identifying close contacts of the infected person to provide necessary treatment and vaccination.
Maverick Carpenter, a triplet born with a rare genetic condition and underdeveloped hands, spent his first birthday in the hospital fighting bacterial meningitis. His parents, who struggled with fertility issues, feared the worst as the infection spread to his brain, but after a craniotomy and a touch-and-go recovery, Maverick is now improving, though he faces challenges ahead. The family is grateful for the support received and has set up a GoFundMe to help with mounting medical bills.
A 6-year-old boy from South Carolina, Wesley Gossett, died from bacterial meningitis after complaining of a headache, vomiting, and running a fever. Despite having all his vaccines except the meningitis vaccine, Wesley's parents discovered that he had expressed a desire to be an organ donor like his grandpa, and his organs ended up saving the lives of seven other children. The family is coping with the loss, particularly Wesley's older sister, and has started a GoFundMe page to cover medical bills and funeral expenses.
Bacterial meningitis, a rare but potentially fatal infection, primarily affects children and young adults. Early warning signs include fever, headache, sleepiness, rash, irritability, and lack of appetite. However, these symptoms are often not indicative of meningitis. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen and include lethargy, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, or nausea and vomiting. Bacterial meningitis is spread through prolonged close contact, but not everyone exposed to the bacteria will develop the infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for prompt treatment, which involves IV antibiotics. Long-term issues can arise if left untreated. Prevention measures include immunization, regular hand-washing, and keeping sick children at home.
A woman who traveled to Mexico for an experimental stem cell therapy to treat her multiple sclerosis developed a life-threatening bacterial meningitis infection from contaminated medical equipment. The patient received stem cell injections into the spinal fluid in her lower back, likely contaminated with the bacteria Mycobacterium abscessus. Bacterial meningitis is a deadly infection, and treatment is challenging when it affects the brain and spinal fluid. American doctors are concerned about medical tourism, as patients may unknowingly put themselves at risk for cheaper or more innovative treatments abroad that lack stringent quality controls. Physicians urge caution and advise against pursuing medical procedures overseas.
A first-grader from Kentucky was rushed to the hospital after contracting invasive strep infections that led to bacterial meningitis. The child was immediately put on a ventilator and underwent surgery to remove the fluid that had built up in her brain. The mother is now urging parents to be aware of the symptoms and act quickly if they notice any differences in their children. The CDC says most people do recover from bacterial meningitis.
Classes have resumed at Eaglecrest High School in Colorado after two teachers died over the weekend with symptoms of bacterial meningitis. The causes of death are still pending, and the school closed to allow public health officials to identify students or staff who may have been in close contact with the infected staff person. The district added that school and district mental health support staff will be available for students.
Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Colorado, closed temporarily after two teachers died, one of whom had symptoms consistent with bacterial meningitis. The Integrated Learning Center program will remain closed until Monday. The local health department is working with the school district to perform contact tracing. It is unclear whether the case is an isolated incident or part of a broader outbreak. The causes of the teachers' deaths are pending ancillary testing.
Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Denver, closed after two of its teachers died, at least one due to symptoms consistent with bacterial meningitis. The Integrated Learning Center program will remain closed until Monday. It is unclear whether the case was an isolated incident or part of a broader outbreak. The local health department is working closely with the Cherry Creek School District to perform contact tracing.
A third teacher from the Cherry Creek School District, Scott Nash, has passed away, following the deaths of Maddie Schmidt and Judith Geoffroy. The cause of Nash's death has not been released, and the district does not believe it is related to bacterial meningitis, which was suspected in Schmidt's case. The deaths were deemed natural causes, and Geoffroy's cause of death is still under investigation. Eaglecrest High School was closed on Wednesday, and the district is working to identify those who may have been in close contact with Schmidt.