CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature   MP3 "Meningitis" FOR AIR WEEK OF November 19, 2001 Meningitis has been in the news a lot lately…but what causes it? Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt and this Children's Health Minute is presented by the TexCare : a Texas initiative to provide children’s health insurance for only $18 a month or less to most families. Outbreaks of meningitis have been making headlines in Texas this year. But there is no single cause for the illness. Infectious agents can include bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. It is characterized by inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include severe headaches, vomiting and fever. Every case of meningitis is reported to the health authorities.  Working as a team, health professionals must decide what measures are needed for the patient, their close contacts and their community. This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare —reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply for children’s health insurance that for most families is $18 a month or less. And join me next time for The Children's Health Minute.