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Killer Disease on Campus
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Program Overview
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Note: This program contains graphic illustrations of loss of
limbs and tissue death. Please preview the program to determine its
appropriateness for your classroom.
NOVA examines the worldwide medical community's response to
meningococcal disease, often referred to as
meningitis—including streamlined response efforts of
hospitals, treatment of patients, and vaccine development and use.
The program:
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describes meningococcal bacteria and how they release endotoxins
that harm the body.
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distinguishes between the two main forms of meningococcal
disease, meningitis and sepsis.
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identifies the various types of meningococcal bacteria and how
they impact different parts of the world.
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explains that different vaccines are needed for each type and
demonstrates the difficulty of developing an effective vaccine
for type B.
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shows the physical effects on patients, including loss of limbs
and tissue death.
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tells the personal stories of families of those who contracted
the disease.
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presents information about the symptoms and the need to get
treatment quickly.
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describes how public health experts calculate the costs and
benefits of vaccination programs.
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discusses the possibility of developing a vaccine based on the
antibodies of survivors.
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