According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is a modest, increased risk of bacterial meningitis on college campuses. It strikes about 3000 Americans each year causing more than 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur annually on college campuses and 5 to 15 students die as a result. The American College Health Association is now recommending that college students, particularly first year students living in residence halls, consider vaccination. In fact, first year students living in residence halls have a six-fold increased risk for the disease compared to all undergraduates. Other college students who want to reduce their risk can also be vaccinated.
Meningitis is a contagious, potentially fatal infection of the fluids of the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by either bacteria or a virus. Knowing whether a virus or
a bacterium causes the meningitis disease is important, as the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, loss of limbs, or death. For bacterial meningitis, it is also important to know the specific type of bacteria that is causing the meningitis, so that the proper medications can be used to treat the disease and to prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people.
The disease is passed from person to person via throat and respiratory secretions (e.g. coughing, kissing, sharing a drinking glass or cigarette, etc.). Meningitis is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, intense headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and frequently a rash. The disease commonly occurs in late winter and early spring, coinciding with the flu season, which can sometimes complicate the diagnosis due to a similarity in symptoms. If not detected early, the disease can progress, often within hours of the first signs of symptoms.
College students are thought to be more susceptible because they live in close proximity with many other people, and because some students engage in behaviors that can compromise their immune systems. Risk factors for students include concurrent upper respiratory infections, passive and active smoking, bar patronage, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep.
The good news is that vaccination is available at USM Health Services for $70 and it provides at least 85-100% protection against four types of bacterial meningitis (A, C, Y, W-135). Protection begins seven to ten days after immunization and lasts approximately three to five years – the length of time most students are away at college.
You can look up more information on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or try www.collegemeningitis.com.
Sheera LaBelle can be contacted at [email protected]