Meningitis in Children - Awareness

Meningitis in Children is a serious and unfortunate issue for many parents. My friend lost her only son to a tough battle with Meningitis when he was very young.  This Squidoo lens is aimed at providing info and resources to helps others learn more about this deadly and devestating disease.  We are also accepting donations to establish a fund in Landan's name (See below)

Awareness -- Spread the word not the disease. Learn facts, signs & symptoms of Meningitis. Also, learn more about the different types of Meningitis in children.

What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether Meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral Meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while Bacterial Meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability.

For Bacterial Meningitis, it is also important to know which type of bacteria is causing the Meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people.

Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, but new vaccines being given to all children as part of their routine immunizations have reduced the occurrence of invasive disease due to H. influenzae. Today, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the leading causes of Bacterial Meningitis.

To view more about meningitis please click on the above graphic, dont forget to visit the links below as well.