A virtual look at meningitis B

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

00:00

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.

00:11

And every year some of them will watch as their children fight for life against meningitis B, a potentially fatal, yet preventable, type

00:19

of meningococcal disease that can kill in less than 24 hours. The brain is shielded from harm by the skull,

00:27

sandwiched between our three layers of protective membranes called meninges that line and surround the brain and spinal cord, keeping

00:35

them safe within the body. These membranes can become the ultimate target of meningitis

00:41

B, which typically invades the body through sneezing, coughing, or kissing, entering the bloodstream

00:47

and traveling to the brain and spinal cord, even seemingly innocent everyday activities, like sharing eating utensils, drinks,

00:55

or a toothbrush may be enough to infect someone. Meningitis B is caused by one of five strains

01:03

of meningococcal bacteria called group B, but is alone responsible for at least 60% of meningococcal infections in teens and young adults.

01:11

Symptoms may be sudden or emerge gradually over a few days, a stiff neck, a fever, maybe a headache, nausea, and confusion creep in.

01:20

Once the bacteria make their way through the clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, they attach onto delicate brain tissue

01:27

and quickly activate the immune system. As the body tries to fight off the infection, the fluid and meninges become inflamed and swollen.

01:36

And it turns into a battle to save your life. Without prompt treatment, as many as 70%

01:42

of those infected with meningococcal disease will die. And one in five survivors may be left with permanent disabilities, like brain damage,

01:50

hearing loss, and learning difficulties. Meningitis B can also cause septicemia, a life-threatening

01:57

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,

02:05

but only one of them can protect us from meningitis B. No parents should ever watch their children fight for life.

02:12

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.