1.1A Senate resolution
1.2designating August of each year as "Meningitis Awareness Month."
1.3WHEREAS, meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and the
1.4brain, the most common forms of which are bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis; and
1.5WHEREAS, bacterial meningitis is one of the most deadly and least understood infections
1.6in the United States, is highly contagious, and can be spread through sharing a drink or utensils,
1.7kissing, or living in close quarters with others, such as a dormitory or summer camp; viral
1.8meningitis is the more common type of meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, can
1.9severely weaken a person; and
1.10WHEREAS, if diagnosed quickly and treated promptly, most people with bacterial
1.11meningitis make a full recovery; however, without proper treatment, bacterial meningitis can be
1.12fatal, sometimes within hours, or result in serious medical problems that may include amputation
1.13of limbs, fingers, or toes; severe scarring; brain damage; hearing loss; kidney damage; and
1.14psychological problems; and
1.15WHEREAS, meningitis occurs more frequently among children under five years of age;
1.16however, in recent years, a number of outbreaks have occurred among students at schools and
1.17institutions of higher education; and
1.18WHEREAS, the public should be aware of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis, particularly
1.19in newborns and children but also in adults, which may include a distinctive rash, fever, severe
1.20headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, and exhaustion. Meningitis is often
1.21misdiagnosed because its early symptoms are much like those of the flu. Also, since some of the
2.1symptoms of viral meningitis may be similar to bacterial meningitis, it is most important that
2.2individuals seek medical attention quickly when they experience those symptoms; and
2.3WHEREAS, there are effective vaccines against certain strains of meningitis; and health
2.4care providers should be encouraged to inform adolescents and parents, particularly those of
2.5young people, about the option of being vaccinated against meningitis; and
2.6WHEREAS, this Legislature has taken action to promote public awareness of meningitis
2.7and enhance public protection through enactments to: require the commissioner of health and
2.8human services to establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about its
2.9clinical significance and public health implications; ensure that vaccinations are provided to new
2.10residential students at four-year institutions of higher education in the state, as well as information
2.11about meningitis and the vaccination requirement to all prospective students; and direct the
2.12commissioner of health and human services to develop an educational fact sheet for distribution
2.13to parents or guardians of students in grades 6 through 12; and
2.14WHEREAS, further action is needed to promote public awareness of this disease, and
2.15thereby foster greater understanding of its symptoms, potential effects, and preventive measures;
2.16NOW, THEREFORE,
2.17BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that:
2.18(1) August of each year is designated as "Meningitis Awareness Month" in the State of
2.19Minnesota in order to enhance public awareness and understanding of meningitis.
2.20(2) The Governor is hereby requested to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials
2.21and the citizens of this state to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.