1947 – Cerebrospinal (meningococcus) meningitis infections (Int. List No. 6)   —   917

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard October 19, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

 –917  Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1948, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 444.

 Narrative Information

 CDC on Meningococcal Meningitis (ICD Code A39.0)^[1]: “Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus… These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update.)

 Minnesota Department of Health on Meningococcal Disease:

“What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare, serious illness caused by a bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also cause blood infections.

Up to one out of seven (10-14 percent) of those who get the disease die.

Of those who survive, up to one out of five have permanent disabilities, such as deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs, or seizures.

 “What are the Symptoms?

            Symptoms can include:

High fever

Headache

Very stiff neck

Confusion

Nausea

Sensitivity to light

Vomiting

Exhaustion

            If a persons has a blood infection, a rash may also develop.

Early symptoms can easily be mistaken for influenza or other illnesses.

When symptoms start, they come on quickly and the person may get very sick very fast.

Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms.

“How does meningococcal disease spread?

Meningococcal disease is spread by contact with secretions (saliva or spit) from the nose and throat.

It can be spread through kissing, sharing silverware, drinking directly from the same container, sharing a cigarette or lipstick, and having close social contact (living in the same household).

It is not spread through casual contact, such as being in the same room or touching the same object.

“How can you protect yourself from meningococcal disease?

            Get vaccinated!

Avoid sharing anything that goes into your mouth like silverware, drinking containers, lipstick, cigarettes, etc. ….”

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. 4-9-2018 update. Accessed 10-3-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html

Minnesota Department of Health. Meningococcal Disease Facts. 10-20-2022 update. Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/meningococcal/meningococcal.html#spread

National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 10-1-2023 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7960170/

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1947. Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence.  Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1949. Accessed 10-18-2023 at:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1947_2.pdf

[1] ICD-10 is the 10^th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, a medical classification list by the World Health Organization.