Meningococcal
Disease
What
is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal
disease is quite rare but can be life threatening. The bacteria
causing the disease Neisseria Meningitides , can cause
meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning). This particular
bacterium is only one possible cause for meningitis (an inflammation
of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Other
possible causes for meningitis include other families of bacteria
and some viruses.
How
common is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal
disease is uncommon. In the U.S. each year there are about
2500 cases (1-2 cases for every 100,000 people). Approximately
100 of these cases occur on college or university campuses.
Are
college students at increased risk?
Overall,
undergraduate students have lower risk than a non-student population.
However, college freshman living in residence halls have a
modesty increased incidence of infection. Reasons for this
increase are not fully understood but are related to living
in close proximity to each other and to certain risk factors,
such as overexertion, smoking and binge drinking.
How
are meningococcal bacteria spread?
The
bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person in secretions
from the nose and throat. They are not spread by casual contact
or by simply breathing the air near an infected person, but
require close contact. Fortunately, none of the bacteria that
cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common
cold or the flu.
Approximately
10% of the general population carries the bacteria in their
nose and throat at any given time. Why only a very small number
of those who have the bacteria in their nose and throat develop
disease, while others remain healthy is not fully understood.
What
are the symptoms?
Early
symptoms usually associated with meningococcal meningitis include
high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting
and lethargy, and may resemble the flu. Because the disease
progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, prompt
diagnosis and treatment are important to assuring recovery.
How
can I avoid getting meningococcal disease?
You
can protect yourself by maintaining good health and hygiene.
You should wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing materials
that make mouth contact such as eating utensils, water bottles,
drinking cups, cigarettes, or lip balm. Behaviors which weaken
an individual's immune system can increase your risk of infection.
Is
the vaccine recommended for college students?
Recently
the Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended
that children 11-12 years old and teens entering high school,
as well as college freshman living in dormitories receive a
newly licensed meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal vaccination
is also recommended for persons at above average risk for meningococcal
disease, including persons with certain immune system problems,
those lacking a spleen and travelers to certain countries.
The
vaccine is comprised of 4 strains of bacteria but does not include
type B which accounts for nearly one-third of meningococcal
cases in 15-24 year olds in the United States . The vaccine
prevents individuals from being carriers of the bacteria. Protection
is estimated to last 8 years.
Where
can I get the immunization?
The
Student Health Service offers the vaccine. Students may call
(414) 288-7184 to make an appointment to receive the immunization.
The immunization is also usually available through your primary
care clinic.
