Rep. Camilleri offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 138.  

            A resolution to declare August 2017 as Meningococcal Immunization Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Meningococcal disease is any infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides, or meningococcus.  Neisseria meningitides bacteria can cause illness and spread through respiratory secretion; and

            Whereas, In the United States, there are approximately 1,000-1,200 cases of meningococcal disease annually and 10-15percent of infected individuals will die. Eleven to 19 percent of those who live will suffer from serious morbidity, including loss of limbs and impacts to the nervous system; and

            Whereas, There have been several recent outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease on college campuses, with some cases resulting in death. Emily Nicole Stillman  was a 19-year-old sophomore at Kalamazoo College in February of 2013 when she contracted Meningococcal Disease – Serogroup B. Within 36 hours of calling home from her dorm room with a headache, she was brain dead.  The vaccine that would have protected her was not yet available in the United States.  Her family is committed to educating others about the disease to prevent other unnecessary deaths; and

            Whereas, The CDC recommends that decisions to vaccinate 16 – 23 year olds against serogroup B meningococcal disease should be made at the individual level. 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; now; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare August 2017 as Meningococcal Immunization Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage high schools, colleges, and universities in Michigan to provide information to all students and parents about meningococcal disease.