In 2012, a New Kind of Fungal Meningitis (Infection of the Nervous

question 29

Essay

In 2012, a new kind of fungal meningitis (infection of the nervous system) was discovered. Disease occurred among patients who had received steroid injections in the spine. Discuss whether these were healthcare-associated infections (HAIs): defend your answer. Discuss the route of transmission and what measures public health agencies could take to reduce disease.

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Definitions:

Reticular Activating System

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that regulates arousal and consciousness.

Smelling Salts

A chemical compound that releases ammonia gas, used to revive someone from fainting or refresh their senses.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells or nerve endings that respond to changes in the environment, such as touch, temperature, or light.

Adaptation

Adaptation is the process by which organisms adjust to changes in their environment to improve survival and reproduction.