FDA approves second vaccine against meningitis strain

Federal health regulators have approved a second vaccine to prevent a strain of bacteria that can cause deadly cases of meningitis.

The Food and Drug Administration said it cleared Novartis' Bexsero vaccine against a subtype ofmeningococcal bacteriain people ages 10 to 25. The agency cleared a similar vaccine from Pfizer last October. Prior to that, vaccines available in the U.S. only covered four of the five main subtypes of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.

In meningococcal disease, bacteria can infect thebloodstream, causing sepsis, or the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord—meningitis.

脑膜炎症状包括发烧、头痛和圣iff neck, sometimes followed by nausea and vomiting.

The disease spreads through saliva and other throat fluids via coughing, kissing and sharing utensils.

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