Comments on: Massapequa Student Diagnosed With Meningococcal Meningitis

By: Darrell Romero

Darrell Romero — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:18:36 +0000

We will be praying for this child as well. I hope they caught it soon enough to be treated effectively. Nassau County does not push the vaccine availability like I wish they would, but we have to push them to get action. 2 students from this high school are 2 too many, and a small pamphlet upon high school registration is not enough information.

I heard of Meningitis Angels through my good friends Jon and Lisa, and the help they received. I am sorry for your loss Frankie, and God Bless You for all of the good you do for so many people.

By: Nikola

Nikola — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:03:28 +0000

@Frankie M: thanks for the informative post.

By: GB

GB — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:28:07 +0000

My beautiful, beloved 18 month old nephew and Godchild died from meningicoccal meningitis here on Long Island 22 years ago yesterday.

Never sick a day in his short life until he contracted the disease, he passed away within 24 hours of the first common symptom despite many calls by my sister to the pediatrician. He exhibited the rash only at the very end. Heartbreaking tragedy.

It is an insidious disease. There are 8 diagnosed cases per day in the United States according to recent statistics with an 11% mortality rate – approximately 275 deaths per year.

The vaccine against this disease was not available when my nephew died and would not have been administered to him since it is given to teens approaching college age.

By: Frankie Milley

Frankie Milley — Sun, 23 May 2010 11:52:18 +0000

We are praying for this student.

Remember meningitis does not stop at the dorm room door.

I am the mother of an only child, Ryan, who died from of meningococcal meningitis & founder/executive director of Meningitis Angels. http://www.meningitis-angels.org .

What parents and students should know:
According to ACIP/CDC children ages (11) years through college freshmen should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.

Knowing the early signs of meningitis & blood poisoning can improve detection of the disease & save lives? They are Unrelenting fever, leg pain, cold hands & feet & abnormal skin color can develop within (12 hours) after infection long before the more classic signs of the illness such as a rash, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and impaired consciousness.

Children in daycare & those of American Indian, Eskimo & African American heritage are at a higher risk for pneumococcal & HIB meningitis.

Visit the AAP, sound Advice on Vaccines: http://www.cispimmunize.org/fam/soundadvice.html

Help Stop Meningitis!
Please join our cause and feature on your face book page. http://apps.facebook.com/causes/103719/35941843?m=6d54c0aa

Visit http:www.Parent2Parentonmeningitis.com