Meningitis

When Remco, the nephew of Sonny, was a little baby, he suffered from meningitis.
This is a life threatening disease.
Luckily Remco survived, but he became deaf for the rest of his life.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is highly contagious and is caused by bacteria and viruses, which can easily travel in fluids from an infected person. It's not just an unprotected sneeze that can spread the disease. It can even be caught if someone comes in contact with a contaminated doorknob, drawer handle or book. While it is generally advisable not to share eating utensils, toothbrushes, and the like, washing hands during the day will further ensure that you get rid of any germs by which you might have reached you.

Each year you hear about small outbreaks of meningitis. It is highly contagious and sometimes fatal. Learn why the classic symptoms of a high fever and stiff neck shouldn't be ignored.

 watch a video about meningitis

"I have always thought it would be a blessing if each person could be blind and deaf for a few days during his early adult life.
Darkness would make him appreciate sight; silence would teach him the joys of sound"

© - Site Seeing - Sonny, Lotje, Laurette en Femke, The Netherlands 2006