Meningitis B is a potentially fatal but preventable disease. Watch Jen Caudle, DO, in this Virtual Journey video on how meningococcal bacteria enters and acts on the body.
Transcript
No matter how old our children get, the words I don't feel well can send any parent into a state of worry and concern.
And every year some of them will watch as their children fight for life against meningitis B, a potentially fatal, yet preventable, type
of meningococcal disease that can kill in less than 24 hours. The brain is shielded from harm by the skull,
sandwiched between our three layers of protective membranes called meninges that line and surround the brain and spinal cord, keeping
them safe within the body. These membranes can become the ultimate target of meningitis
B, which typically invades the body through sneezing, coughing, or kissing, entering the bloodstream
and traveling to the brain and spinal cord, even seemingly innocent everyday activities, like sharing eating utensils, drinks,
or a toothbrush may be enough to infect someone. Meningitis B is caused by one of five strains
of meningococcal bacteria called group B, but is alone responsible for at least 60% of meningococcal infections in teens and young adults.
Symptoms may be sudden or emerge gradually over a few days, a stiff neck, a fever, maybe a headache, nausea, and confusion creep in.
Once the bacteria make their way through the clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, they attach onto delicate brain tissue
and quickly activate the immune system. As the body tries to fight off the infection, the fluid and meninges become inflamed and swollen.
And it turns into a battle to save your life. Without prompt treatment, as many as 70%
of those infected with meningococcal disease will die. And one in five survivors may be left with permanent disabilities, like brain damage,
hearing loss, and learning difficulties. Meningitis B can also cause septicemia, a life-threatening
poisoning of the blood that may quickly spread through the bloodstream and lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. There are two types of vaccines for meningococcal meningitis,
but only one of them can protect us from meningitis B. No parents should ever watch their children fight for life.
Talk with your health care provider about meningitis B and what you can do to prevent it from harming the most precious people in your life.
