SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 712
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens
across our country who are observing World Meningitis Day by
recognizing April 25, 2009, as Texas Meningitis Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, The two types of meningitis are bacterial
meningitis and viral meningitis; bacterial meningitis is a
serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress very
quickly; a person may die in a period of only eight to 24 hours
after contracting infection; and
WHEREAS, Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the
membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord; the disease
strikes 2,000 to 3,000 Americans each year, and 10 to 12 percent
of those infected die; and
WHEREAS, The rate of the invasive disease among persons 17
to 20 years of age is twice that of the rate of the general United
States population, which leads to five to 15 deaths among college
students every year; among those who survive meningococcal
disease, 20 percent live with severe health problems; and
WHEREAS, Adolescent vaccination would reduce direct costs
of the disease by $18 million and decrease productivity losses by
$50 million; vaccination would save lives and prevent the health
problems and disabilities caused by the bacterium, such as brain
damage, kidney failure, and epilepsy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby urge all Texans to observe April 25 as Texas
Meningitis Awareness Day and encourage public enlightenment
regarding vaccination that would reduce the occurrence of this
deadly disease; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
recognition of Texas Meningitis Awareness Day.
Lucio
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 24, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate