For Immediate Release on September 22, 2015

Nalia Tafua
Utah Department of Health Media Contact
(801) 994-7222
n_tafua@udoh.com

Meningitis is Silently Killing Teenagers

New Research done by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that
teenagers are more vulnerable to the lethal affects of meningitis
SALT LAKE CITY, UT September 12, 2015 Meningitis has the potential to kill
teenage victims as fast as 24 hours after the first symptoms are detected. The Utah
Department of Health wants to help parents prevent this disease from affecting their
children.
Meningitis is caused by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Research done by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says teenagers are at a greater risk of
meningitis infection due to their active lifestyle. Smoking, being exposed to smoke,
kissing, living in close quarters
and sharing drinking glasses,
eating utensils and water bottles
increases the risk of contracting
meningitis.
One in five people who survive
meningococcal meningitis suffer
permanent physical and mental
Meningitis is caused when the protective membranes around the brain
and spinal cord known as the meninges become infected.
consequences, such as:
amputation of limbs, fingers, or
toes, severe scarring, brain damage, hearing loss and kidney damage.
This potentially lethal disease is preventable through a booster vaccination. The
Department of health is encouraging Utah parents to talk to health care providers about
the vaccination.
Dr. Jackson Johnson, lead physician at CDC, said symptoms associated with meningitis
can be difficult to recognize. Some of the symptoms include severe headache, stiff
neck, cold hands and feet, confusion, seizures, high fever, nausea and vomiting.

If your child has symptoms and has been around someone with meningitis, contact a
doctor immediately, Dr. Johnson said.
Speed is essential when it comes to treating this potentially deadly disease.
If the child does not die from meningitis it will effect their lifestyle forever, Dr. Johnson
said. Survivors could face kidney damage, hearing loss, brain damage, severe scarring
and amputation of limbs, fingers or toes.
For more information, call your local health department or visit
www.health.utah.gov/wnv. For general information on vaccines, please visit
http://www.immunize-utah.org/, or call the Utah Department of Health Immunization
hotline at 1-800-275-0659, or your local health department. For more information on the
measles outbreak, contact the at 801-538-6191.