While the meningitis vaccine is crucial for health during college, this post does not mention all available vaccines for the disease. A separate vaccine is recommended to protect against the meningitis B strain. The routine meningitis immunization does help prevent the A, C, W and Y strains, but a different vaccine is needed for meningitis B.

The meningitis B vaccine is fairly new, but is recommended for anyone between the ages of 16 and 23. The meningitis B vaccine is available at all Passport Health clinics.

College can be a scary first experience for freshman. New school, new friends, new living arrangements and new exposures to health risks. In locations across the United States, meningitis outbreaks have hit colleges and other schools.

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Kimberly Coffey and her mother Patti Wukovits

Meningitis is an often-deadly disease that can affect individuals of any age or demographic. Vaccinations have provided protection for some time. But, this was not always the case.

Before 2014, there was no protection against meningitis B, one of the more common strains of the bacterial infection. This left millions of individuals, especially teens, vulnerable to infection. Including Kimberly Coffey.

At the start of June 2012, Kim was a bright and happy 17-year-old girl in the last two weeks of her senior year of high school. But, within a few weeks she would be gone.

On June 5, Kim went to school feeling well, just like any other day. After returning home from school the next day she had body aches and a high temperature. Kim’s mother, Patti Wukovits, was concerned and called the pediatrician. He said it sounded like the flu and asked Patti to bring Kim in the next morning.

When they got up the next day, Patti asked Kim if she still felt any pains. “Mom, from my eyelashes down to my toes.” Kim said, “I feel like my ankles are bleeding.”

Patti took a look and saw purplish dots on her ankles. She later learned Kim was spot on. The capillaries in her ankles were bleeding beneath her skin.

They immediately went to the pediatrician’s office, knowing he was across the street from the hospital, if that was necessary.

During the exam, Kim complained about more pain in her back. “Right before my eyes, a dark purplish rash appeared going straight up her back,” Patti said. Kim was rushed to the emergency room.

As the hospital staff examined Kim further, they diagnosed her with bacterial meningitis.

“I told [them] that it couldn’t be possible because Kim had been vaccinated for meningitis,” Patti said. As a mother and a nurse, I was vigilant in having both of my children fully vaccinated. I learned later that there was a type of meningococcal disease, MenB (serogroup B) which the meningococcal vaccine did not protect her against.”

Meningitis B accounts for around 50 percent of meningitis cases in the United States among 17- to 22-year-olds. Symptoms most often include: sudden high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light and skin rash. The infection can often go misdiagnosed as flu or migraine until symptoms become more severe.

Today, there is a meningitis vaccine that provides serogroup B protection. But, in 2012 it was still a few years away from availability in the United States.

Kim was taken to the intensive care unit. Within hours her heart and lungs were failing and she had purple rashes across her body. She was beginning to lose blood flow to her extremities.

Doctors determined Kim’s infection progressed to meningococcemia, where the meningitis infection has entered the bloodstream.

Patti worried she may not have been fast enough in getting her daughter to the hospital.

“I asked the doctor if I should have taken Kim to the emergency room the night before,” Patti said. “She assured me that if I had taken her the night before, [Kim] would have been sent home because she would have presented as only having flu-like symptoms. She didn’t have a rash the night before – just body aches and a fever.”

Throughout the next few days, Kim’s extremities continued to get darker from lack of circulation. Her fingers and toes were almost completely black.

On June 10, Kim had her first dialysis treatment to help her failing kidneys. During the procedure, she went into cardiac arrest. She was resuscitated but put on a ventilator and was left in a coma.

“We would never be able to talk to Kim again or hear her sweet voice,” Patti said.

For the next few days scans showed Kim continued to have significant brain activity. But, she remained in her coma. Family and friends continued to pray for her recovery. On June 14, doctors performed a CT scan of her brain which showed impending brain herniation. Doctors prepared the family for the worst.

“My son Christopher was in Oklahoma in his last week of Basic Training with the U.S. Army and wasn’t allowed to come home,” Patti said. “I had spoken with him every single day since Kim went into the hospital through the American Red Cross to update him. But on this day, I had to tell my son it was time to come home to say good bye to his little sister.”

On June 15, a final scan confirmed no brain activity. After Christopher arrived from Oklahoma, the family said goodbye to Kim and her life support was stopped.

“We were all with her,” Patti said. “And I knew Kim was at peace.”

Kimberly Ann Coffey was 17-years-old.

Patti and her husband, John, established the Kimberly Coffey Foundation to help raise meningitis B awareness. The organization has played a key role in helping groups recognize the importance of meningitis B vaccination. The foundation, and Kim’s story, played a significant role in the passage of the New York State Meningococcal Immunization Bill, which added meningitis to the list of required vaccines for students entering the 7th and 12th grades. It’s important to know that the requirement in New York State does not include meningitis B vaccination. It’s critically important parents ask specifically for an additional meningitis B vaccine.

June 12 to 16, 2017 has been declared Meningitis B Awareness Week in New York state in honor of Kimberly and in recognition of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation.

To find out more about meningitis, see our meningitis page.

To find out more about Kim’s story and the Kimberly Coffey Foundation see their website.

Brazil is an exciting travel destination with much to offer to any type of traveler. The city is the heart of Brazilian culture and houses some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the country.

Rio’s immense terrain offers endless choices to make your own adventure. Visiting the rainforest allows for hiking, kayaking and rock climbing that can’t be surpassed by any other place in the world. Staying along Rio’s coastline gives access to endless surf spots and the bustling communities. But, you’ll need to start preparing early if you’d like to take advantage of the city’s sprawling opportunities.

Which Vaccines Do I Need For A Trip to Rio de Janeiro?

The various climates and regions of Brazil provide travel health challenges. Despite being the fifth largest country in the world and one of the largest economies, Brazil is still developing. Do not forget this fact. Many areas lack proper sanitation, and some diseases not seen in the United States are present.

Luckily, many of these infections are preventable through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization recommend travelers receive the following vaccines:

• Routine Vaccinations– Before you leave, make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) as some of these diseases can be found in developing nations.
• Yellow Fever– This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in many parts of Brazil including Minas Gerais, just north of Rio de Janeiro. The CDC recommends travelers to affected regions receive a yellow fever vaccine. If you are planning to visit other countries in South America before traveling to Brazil, the vaccine may be required for entry into Brazil.
• Typhoid– The vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Brazil. As a foodborne disease, typhoid is prevalent in many developing countries like Brazil. Take proper precautions to avoid contaminated food. ‘Adventurous eating’ could lead to typhoid infection, especially if you have not been vaccinated.
• Hepatitis A– This is another foodborne disease. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Brazil.
• Hepatitis B– Most travelers should consider this vaccine. It is recommended for those who may be exposed to bodily fluids while in Brazil. This includes sexual contact, getting tattoos or even getting a medical procedure.
• Rabies– While not always necessary, this vaccine may be recommended based on your itinerary. Spread through animal bites, rabies can be a deadly disease, especially if it goes untreated.

Each individual’s itinerary may change what vaccines are recommended or required. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn more.

Which Mosquito-borne Diseases Are Present in Brazil?

The jungle and rural environments are hotbeds for mosquito-borne disease activity. But, these diseases have also begun to enter some urban environments such as Rio de Janeiro.

• Malaria– A parasite spread through mosquito bites, malaria is common in some regions of Brazil. Speak with a travel health specialist about whether you will need antimalarial medication for your trip.
• Dengue– There is an increased risk of infection in urban and residential areas. This mosquito-borne disease is rarely deadly, but it can ruin a trip. There is no vaccine against dengue, just preventative measures like mosquito repellents and netting.

Zika and Rio de Janeiro

The mosquito-borne virus Zika has been found in Brazil. The virus is known to cause mild to moderate symptoms in adults, like dengue does. But, it has been found to cause microcephaly (a birth defect causing shrinking of the head) in the fetus of infected mothers.

The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or may become pregnant consider not traveling to Rio de Janeiro.

Be sure to take proper precautions against mosquitoes while in Rio. This includes using mosquito netting and repellents as well as wearing proper clothing.

Is Traveler’s Diarrhea a Risk In Brazil?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a risk throughout South America, perhaps even more so in Brazil. A recent study commissioned by the Associated Press found water in Brazil is highly contaminated with various viral and bacterial diseases. One expert went even said, “If we saw these levels here in the United States on beaches, officials would likely close [them].”

It is not uncommon to fall ill while in Rio without proper medical preparation. We recommend that you preemptively take antibiotics or other medications to avoid illness.

It is extremely important to protect yourself while in Rio. Finding safe foods to eat and beverages to drink can become difficult while traveling, and this is especially when you are ‘on-the-go’. This could lead to you or a member of your group being exposed to the agents that cause traveler’s diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors. There is no ‘traveler’s diarrhea’-specific vaccine. But, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations can help avoid two types of infection.

Bring a traveler’s diarrhea kit, with products like DiaResQ, to help protect yourself from missing any of those adventure opportunities.

Other preventative advice includes:

• Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled or otherwise treated.
• Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish; this includes ceviche

Will I Be Safe During My Trip to Rio de Janeiro?

According to the U.S. State Department, crime remains high in many of Brazil’s urban areas. Street crime is a problem for visitors and locals, especially in Rio. The State Department also gives the following advice:

• Be extra watchful on buses or in other public areas. Pickpocketing and other forms of theft are common in these places.
• Do not wear jewelry or expensive watches in public. Anything that could attract attention may also attract crime.
• DO NOT carry your passport with you as it could be stolen. Leave your passport in a hotel safe and carry a photocopy or a passport card with you at all times.
• If you are are robbed, do not attempt to resist or fight. Hand over the belongings as this is the safer decision
• The State Department also recommends avoiding ‘favelas’ as they are sites of increased crime and violence

Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Rio de Janeiro?

Brazil usually requires a visa for US citizens to enter the country. Although Brazil can sometimes offer travel without a visa, this is only during special events hosted within the country, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics. Currently, you will need a visa for travel.

To learn more about Brazil’s visa requirements, see our Brazilian visa page.

Should I Consider Travel Insurance For My Trip to Brazil?

It can be recommended that travelers to Brazil buy travel insurance to protect their investment and themselves. To find out more about these services, see our travel insurance page.

How Else Can I Prepare For a Trip to Brazil?

A trip to Rio can provide unbelievable opportunities and adventures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Visiting Brazil can also provide serious health and safety risks if you are not prepared. Be sure to protect yourself before you go by:

• Visiting with a travel health specialist at a travel clinic, like Passport Health, to learn about pre-travel vaccinations and care.
• Make sure your passport (and possibly visa) are in order before traveling. Passport Health offers a service to help you apply for both.
• Register with the State Department before you leave, so that the nearest US Consulate has your information to contact you in case of an emergency. Passport Health offers this service as well.

If you have any further questions about travel to Rio de Janeiro or any other part of Brazil, see our various pages on related subjects. Or, schedule an appointment with a travel health specialist today by calling or booking online.

Have more tips, advice or questions for a trip to Rio de Janeiro? Leave a comment below, on our Facebook page or via Twitter.

Zika has shed a stark light on prenatal disease prevention. But, there are lessons for everyone, regardless of your family planning stage.

The virus is a reminder that caring for your health can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of those around you. Failure to do so can contribute to the unforeseen long-term impacts of Zika. 

Check out these three ways you can boost your immunity at home and abroad, and prepare yourself to face of Zika and other illnesses.

1.    Stay Up-to-Date

Refer to trusted sources for up-to-date guidelines about current diseases and infections. Organizations like the World Health Organization, CDC and Passport Health offer advice for specific regions. This includes guidelines for pregnant or expecting women, vaccination information and more. 

Health situations are fluid, especially in the developing world.  It’s important to regularly check these sources for new information.

Vaccinations are often recommended for travel to countries throughout the world. Some of the most common travel vaccines are:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Make sure you have all the vaccinations you may need before traveling. Passport Health can help you decide what vaccines are right for you. Learn more about these and other vaccines on our vaccinations page.

2.     Use Safe Products

Only use CDC-verified products. Be especially careful when choosing safe products for expecting moms. Just because a product is advertised as safe does not mean it is right for everyone. Read product labels and reviews to identify ingredients that aren’t safe for your needs. 

If you’re preparing to travel, pack your own toiletries. This will save time and money. You’ll also avoid the risk of unavailability or navigating labels in foreign languages.

Maintaining a healthy, nutritional diet can boost immunity while at home and abroad. It’s important to avoid processed and undercooked foods and take plenty of vitamins and minerals. If you’re traveling, you can bring vitamin supplements with you. 

Most importantly, know whether it is safe to drink tap water in your local area. Contaminated water can lower your immunity or even infect your digestive system. Common waterborne infections include: e. coli, cholera, typhoid and Legionnaires’ disease. Only use water from safe sources like bottled or boiled water.

3.     Monitor the signs:

Become familiar with the symptoms of common diseases in your community and your destination. If you suspect that you or a family member is infected, seek out medical help. 

Some clinics lack the funding to administer tests for diseases like Zika. This is especially true in underserved communities. But, these clinics can refer patients to a testing facility or send blood samples to a local lab. 

The best way to take action is by preventing the disease before you become infected.

Contracting diseases can be scary, and navigating the situation alone can be intimidating. Family member, friend or health care worker can help you identify and act upon your needs. Awareness is the first step to prevention, but being proactive can make a world of difference. Sharing new information within your community helps others take action, and contributes to a healthy environment. 

Learn more about Zika and how you can avoid the disease on our Zika page.

Are you planning a trip to a Zika affected region? Schedule an appointment at your local Passport Health clinic today by calling or booking online now.

What have you done to avoid Zika? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, on Twitter of via Facebook.