Meningococcal Meningitis is a very serious and sometimes fatal disease that most often strikes pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults.  The disease strikes quickly, has devastating complications including hearing loss, brain damage, limb amputations and in some cases, death.  The disease is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with someone who is infected (coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).  There are five types of bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease in the U.S.  The meningitis vaccination currently available in the U.S. significantly reduces one’s risk against contracting four of the five strains of the disease.  The one bacterial strain that is not covered by the vaccine is called the B-strain or B-group and it is the deadliest. 

Academic researchers at Children’s Hospital and Research Institute of Oakland (CHORI) in Oakland, California, are conducting innovative research on developing a B-group meningitis vaccination.  All proceeds of the event will go towards research in the Moe Lab at CHORI for further B-group meningitis vaccination research.  CHORI is a non-profit organization.

To learn more about Meningitis:  National Meningitis Association   www.nmaus.org