Say No To Meningitis!

The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection that strikes an average of 1,500 Americans annually. In particular, adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all adolescents 11-18 years of age. It can cause your limbs to be amputated. Meningitis

The number of meningococcal disease cases changes from year to year. From 1998 to 2007, about 1,500 Americans were infected each year, with a range of 900 to 3,000 cases. 11% of those infected will die. Adolescents and young adults have an increased incidence of meningococcal disease, accounting for 15 percent of all cases. One out of seven cases among adolescents will result in death.

Among those who survive meningococcal disease, approximately 20 percent suffer long-term consequences, such as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or limb amputations.

Get your child vaccinated. For more information, visit http://www.nmaus.org/