Senate Concurrent Resolution 619

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DANGERS OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE AND ENCOURAGING EDUCATION TO BE PROVIDED TO THE PERSONS MOST AT RISK FOR MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE.

WHEREAS, meningococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, and although one in 10 people are carriers of this bacteria with no signs or symptoms of disease, sometimes Neisseria meningitidis bacteria can cause devastating illness; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, approximately 350 to 550 cases of meningococcal disease occur each year. Even with treatment, 10 to 15 infected individuals out of 100 will die, while 11 to 19 out of every 100 people who survive will suffer from serious morbidity, including loss of limbs and impacts to the nervous system; and

WHEREAS, meningococcal disease is spread from person to person via the exchange of bacteria through respiratory and throat secretion during close or lengthy contact. Infants, preteens, teens, and young adults have the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the United States; and

WHEREAS, there are different serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis, with serogroups B, C, and Y accounting for most meningococcal diseases in the United States. Community settings in which large groups of people gather can increase the risk of the spread of meningococcal disease. There have been several recent outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease on college campuses, with some cases resulting in death; and

WHEREAS, there are vaccines that help provide protection against all serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis seen in the United States. Vaccination for serogroups A, C, W and Y is routinely recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that adolescents and young adults age 16 through 23 and persons age 10 years and older in certain groups who are at increased risk

for Meningitis B disease receive the vaccine against serogroup B meningococcal disease; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that students, parents, educators, and health care providers understand the dangers of meningitis B and are aware that a vaccine is available to prevent disease resulting from this serogroup:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature acknowledges that the recent incidence of meningococcal disease has served as a reminder of the critical role vaccinations play in helping to prevent this devastating illness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Mississippi take all reasonable steps to urge all private and public high schools, colleges and universities in Mississippi to provide information to all students and parents about meningococcal disease and regarding those persons at higher risk for the disease.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That each private and public high school, college and university shall educate current and entering students on the recommendation to receive meningococcal vaccines in accordance with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Mississippi State Department of Education and the Mississippi State Department of Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.