Meningococcal Disease: Deadly Dangerous

By William Klepack, MD

Meningococcal meningitis is one of those diseases that give physicians nightmares. This potentially fatal bacterial infection starts out with symptoms similar to those of the flu. Within a matter of hours, however, this disease can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and widespread infection throughout the body. Even with the advantage of modern medicine and powerful antibiotics, meningococcal (bacterial) meningitis has a high fatality rate: in this country, five to fifteen percent of those who contract it will die from it, even with medical treatment.

by William Klepack, MD

The latest surveillance map of flu activity in New York State shows confirmed reports of influenza in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Such reports are not unusual this time of year. Flu has been known to appear in our area as early as December and to still be a problem as late as March.