Health Alerts
Meningitis
Per the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC):
"Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs.
The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis."
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. (CDC)
Additional information can be found on the following websites:
Pertussis
March of Dimes and Sanofi Pasteur Launch Sounds of Pertussis® “Grandparents’ Corner” to Help Grandparents Better Protect Their Families from Whooping Cough. This new online resource provides customized tools and resources developed by a leading Grandparent Expert to help grandparents learn more about highly contagious, often serious disease.