Meningococcal disease, commonly referred to as meningitis, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection which can lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities and even death.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations is recommending that all college freshmen living in dormitories or residence halls receive the new meningitis vaccine. In January, 2005, the FDA approved the use of Menactra, the first quadrivalent conjugated vaccine licensed in the U.S. for the prevention of meningococcal disease.
The vaccine protects against four types of bacteria that cause meningitis in the U.S. – types A, C, Y, and W-135. These types account for nearly two-thirds of meningitis cases among college students. And, the vaccine has proven to give a better immune response and is longer lasting than the earlier vaccine.
Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age (the age of most college students) have more than doubled since 1991. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses each year and as many as 15 students will die from the disease. These recommendations and requirements are based on studies showing that college students, particularly freshmen living in dormitories, have a 6-fold increased risk for meningitis. Because meningitis is rare and presents with flu-like symptoms, it is often mistaken for a cold or flu, and thus, ignored.
Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
We encourage you to discuss with your family physician the advisability of getting the meningitis vaccine. It is available at the Health Center and can be paid for at the time of service or billed to your university account.
Additional information about meningitis and the vaccine can be found on the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo.