Bacterial meningitis survivor shares his story as CDC considers lowering vaccine age

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A meningitis survivor shared his painful story with 8 News Now as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers changing its age recommendations for meningitis vaccination.

In 2005, Jonathan Deguzman was turning in a paper for one of his college courses when he felt as though he had come down with the flu. He went home and took a nap, to only wake up 12 days later.

“Next thing I remember, it’s 12 days later, and I woke up from a coma,” Deguzman said.

Deguzman contracted bacterial meningitis and to save his life, doctors had to amputate all ten of his fingers and both of his feet.

“It not only hurt me physically but mentally as well. If I knew this vaccine was available, I would have gotten it,” Deguzman explained.

About 10-15% of people who contract the bacteria will die from it. 20% of those who survive will be left with severe disabilities including amputation and potential hearing loss.

“This bacteria can actually take a healthy individual, and within 24 hours can potentially be fatal,” Dr. Wendy Wright said.

Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through respiratory droplets but can also be transmitted through kissing and sharing water bottles.

Currently, the CDC recommends that people get their first meningitis vaccine between the ages of 11-12 for both girls and boys and a second dose at the age of 16.

However, right now the CDC is looking at revising the schedule to optimize protection against meningitis.

One way the CDC would do this is by removing the earlier age group vaccine and instead recommending two doses of the vaccine between 16-18 years old.

Dr. Wright said making any revisions could be detrimental.

“We have seen a 90% decline in bacterial meningitis since the introduction of this vaccine. And we hate to see that lost and the progress that we’ve made lost by eliminating that vaccination,” she said.

In the meantime, Deguzman continues his dancing with a troop in San Diego, and helps others with disabilities as a vocational counselor,

“Working with students with disabilities, between 16-22 and the importance of employment and getting ready for the future,” he said.

You should seek immediate medical care if you have meningitis symptoms like a fever, a severe headache that doesn’t go away, confusion, vomiting, and a stiff neck.

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