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May 7, 2001
"Deadly Disease Difficult to Stop"
San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfgate.com) (05/06/01) P. A21; May,
Meredith; Hall, Carl

Six Northern California children have died from bacterial
meningitis this year, sparking criticism from parents who
question why a meningitis vaccine is not routinely administered
to schoolchildren.  However, health experts note that the
existing meningitis vaccine is ineffective against most known
strains of meningococcus.  In late 1999, physicians began
recommending the vaccine for college freshmen living in
dormitories as a precaution, and it has been mandatory for men
and women in the nation's armed services for 30 years.
Pharmaceutical companies are currently working on developing a
new vaccine to replace Menomune, which is ineffective in children
under the age of two years and also against the B strain of
meningitis, which makes up about 40 percent of the disease in
California.  Aventis Pasteur is working on a new vaccine;
however, while it will be stronger and will work in babies, it
will still cover only the A, C, Y, and W-135 strains.


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