The following information regarding meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine is based on guidelines established by the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Meningococcal disease continues to pose a small but definite risk to college students, with 100 to 125 cases occurring on campuses across the nation each year, resulting in 5 to 15 deaths. The disease is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria meningiditis and is transmitted through the air by tiny droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected individual through sharing contaminated items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses, or by direct contact such as kissing.
If infected, a person may experience any of the following:
• high fever
• rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe headache
• neck stiffness
• lethargy
• light sensitivity
The disease tends to occur in late winter and early spring, overlapping the flu season. The infection progresses rapidly, making early detection essential.
The vaccine against meningitis is 85-100% effective for the group of germs that account for 70% of the disease. Immunity begins 7-10 days after the vaccination and lasts 3-5 years.
Contact your personal physician for further information about meningitis and the vaccine’s availability in your community.
If you wish to be vaccinated and are unable to be given the immunization before you come to campus, the vaccine is available at a charge through the Student Health Center. There is a one day meningitis vaccine clinic planned for early fall.
The date will be announced to all students at Campus Connection as well as Précis.
Should you have any questions regarding meningitis or the vaccine once you arrive on campus, please feel free to contact the Student Health Center. You can also visit the following related sites:
The Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
American College Health Association: www.acha.org
|
