2017 MENINGITIS AWARENESS DAY

City of Athens Declares September 23rd Meningitis Awareness Day

MENINGITIS AWARENESS DAY
 
WHEREAS:  The City of Athens recognizes the importance of Meningitis Awareness; and
 
WHEREAS:  Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.  It is usually caused by bacterial or viruses, but it can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses; and
 
WHEREAS:  Bacterial meningitis is rare, but is usually serious and can be life threatening if it’s not treated right away; and
 
WHEREAS:  Viral meningitis is relatively common and far less serious.  It often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are a lot like the common flu.
 
WHEREAS:  People who are usually healthy can get meningitis.  Although the risk of getting meningitis increases in teens and young adults; and
 
WHEREAS:  Kids of any age can get meningitis, but common everyday activities can spread meningococcal disease.  This includes kissing, sharing utensils and drinking glasses, living in close quarters such as a dormitory or summer camp, and smoking or being exposed to smoke.  Activities can make teens feel run down may also put them at greater risk for meningitis by weakening their immune system.  These include staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns; and
 
WHEREAS:  Each year, meningococcal disease strikes nearly 3,000 Americans, and 10 to 12 percent of those will die.  Up to 20 percent of survivors have long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or limb amputations.
 
WHEREAS:  You can’t watch your teen every minute of every day.  But you can help protect your children from meningococcal disease (which includes meningitis) by getting them vaccinated. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, William R. Marks, Mayor of Athens,
by virtue of the authority vested in me
do hereby proclaim September 23, 2017, as
MENINGITIS AWARENESS DAY
in this city, and in so doing, urge all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the
importance of this disease.