Meningococcal disease is a bacterial illness, which eventually leads to bacterial meningitis, an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.
Nearly 3,000 cases of Meningococcal infections arise in the U.S. each year, 10-15% of these cases being fatal, in spite of antibiotics. Of those who live, 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have complications with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer from seizures or strokes.
Meningococcal infections may be treated with penicillin; however, 10% of those with the infection die regardless of treatment. Prevention of this disease through the use of Meningococcal vaccines is extremely important for those with high risk factors. Physicians at Medical West are now offering these vaccines for those at risk.
This disease generally affects children ranging from 2-18 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as the lack of a spleen. Infants younger than one year of age and college freshmen who live in dormitories are at an increased risk of contracting Meningococcal disease.
Two Meningococcal vaccines are available in the United States that prevent the disease, including Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) and Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), which was licensed this year. Both vaccines prevent four types of the disease, including two of the three types most common in the U.S. and one type that causes epidemics in Africa. Both vaccines are highly effective and protect roughly 90% of those carrying the infection. MCV4 is expected to provide longer lasting protection, while also preventing the disease from spreading.
MCV4 is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age during their routine preadolescent visit. For those who have not previously received the MCV4 vaccine, the dose should be administered before the adolescent begins high school. This vaccine is also recommended for those with an increased risk of contracting the disease, including college freshmen, U.S. military recruits and Microbiologists exposed to the disease. Travelers who may come in contact with the infection, those with a damaged or removed spleen, those with an immune disorder, or anyone who may have been exposed to meningitis should also seriously consider being vaccinated.
The physicians at Pediatrics West, an affiliate of Medical West, are currently administering Meningococcal vaccines. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 996-WEST.