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Meningitis Legislation
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"Infant Meningitis Linked to Teen Behavior
Problems"
A report from London's Hammersmith Hospital reveals that teenagers who had
contracted and recovered from meningitis in their first year in life were
twice as likely to be described by their parents as having behavioral
problems (hyperactivity, social skills, problems with classmates) compared
to other children. Published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the
study indicates that children who recover from the illness might need a
follow-up and, if necessary, intervention, says Dr. Harvey Macovitch, the
journal's editor. The study assesses the responses of parents and teachers
of 739 13-year-olds who became infected with meningitis before their first birthday, and compares them with responses from 606 teens who did not get
the disease. The report showed that 46 percent of parents whose children
suffered from severe meningitis reported behavioral problems, compared to
21 percent of parents of uninfected teens; even children with less severe For more Information: The After Effects
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