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NEWS
Health department offers free meningitis vaccines
HUNTINGTON -- Frankie Milley lost her only son to meningococcal meningitis. She and others are inviting area residents to find out how they can prevent the same from happening to them during a special program today at Harless Auditorium.
A public, informational meeting is scheduled to take place from 5 to 6 p.m. today, July 30, at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Harless Auditorium.
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year about 2,600 people get meningococcal meningitis in the United States, and 10 to 15 percent of those die, said Elizabeth Ayers, public health educator for the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.
Anyone can get meningitis, but it is most common in infants and people with certain medical conditions. College freshmen who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting the disease.
The local health department offers free meningitis vaccines during its regular clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at 703 7th Ave.
"Here is an opportunity to protect your child from a potentially devastating disease, and it's free," said Dr. Harry Tweel, health department director.
Tweel said the disease develops rapidly and can transform from flu-like symptoms to permanent disability or even death. However, most people don't see meningitis as a threat. He said even physicians need to continue to educate themselves.
Tweel recalled one young adult in the past who presented flu-like symptoms and was sent home. That person returned for medical attention hours later and was diagnosed with meningitis. She survived, but lost her fingertips.
"It is devastating when it happens and it's life-threatening, and it can be prevented," Tweel said.
The state is providing the vaccines for free, and youths should be vaccinated between 11 and 18 years old, Tweel said.
Milley, founder of a nonprofit organization called Meningitis Angels, and Dr. Maurice Mufson will speak during Wednesday's event. Mufson is an emeritus professor in the department of internal medicine at Marshall University. Milley comes from Texas.
Two vaccines are available at the local health department, one for people ages 11 to 55 years old and one for children 2 to 10 years old or adults over 55 who are at risk.
Vaccines are recommended for individuals who are in a high-risk setting, including:
- college freshmen living in dormitories
- U.S. military recruits
- travelers
- anyone with a damaged or removed spleen
- anyone with an immune system disorder
- anyone who may have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.
More information about vaccination is available by calling the health department clinic at 304-526-3380.
