Meningococcal Disease Fact Sheet
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ.
In the United States, the disease strikes approximately 600 – 1,000 people every year and of those, 10-15% die from the disease. Among those who survive, approximately 1 in 5 live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, loss of kidney function, or limb amputations. Studies suggest that outbreaks on college campuses may occur because students live and work in close proximity to each other in dormitories and classrooms. The student's lifestyle may also contribute to risk. Exposure to active and passive smoking, alcohol consumption and bar patronage (with or without alcohol consumption) all increase the chance of contracting meningitis from an infected person. It is estimated that 37 to 69 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually on college campuses and 2 to 4 students die as a result.
*Historically, the number of meningococcal disease cases has gone up and down over time. Now, the number of cases is at the lowest it has ever been. Health officials believe this is due, in part, to the increased use of meningococcal vaccines.
What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
Early symptoms include 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, students are urged to seek medical care immediately if they experience two or more of these symptoms concurrently. Even when they are treated with antibiotics, 10%-14% of these die. Of those who live, another 11%-19% lose their arms or legs, have problems with their nervous systems, become deaf or mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes. The symptoms may appear two to 10 days after exposure, but usually within five days.
Can meningitis be treated?
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early in the course of the disease to avoid death or permanent disabilities. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.
Is meningitis contagious?
Yes. Meningococcal disease is contagious and progresses very rapidly. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, sneezing). The bacteria also can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, such as kissing. People in the same household or day-care center, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend) would be considered at increased risk of acquiring the infection. People who qualify as close contacts of a person with meningitis caused by N. meningitis should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting the disease.
Are there vaccines against meningitis?
Yes. There are currently two vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Menactra, Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005. A second meningococcal conjugate vaccine, Menveo, was FDA approved on February 19, 2010, for use among persons aged 11-55 years. Both vaccines can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, including 2 of the 3 types most common in the U.S. (serogroup C, Y, and W-135) and a type that causes epidemics in Africa (serogroup A). Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease, but they do protect many people who might become sick if they didn't get the vaccine. Menactra or Menveo is recommended for people at increased risk, including college freshmen living in dormitories, crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, sharing of personal items, and household contact with a person diagnosed with the disease. Other factors also increase risk, such as compromised immune system, having no spleen, respiratory tract infection, and certain genetic risk factors. NOTE: As of September 2016, two doses of MCV4 are required: the first dose at 11 or 12 years of age, with a booster dose at age 16-18.
***FYI: In January 2015, the FDA approved Bexsero and Trumenba vaccines against meningitis serogroup B.
Ask your healthcare provider about vaccination.
How do I get more information about meningococcal disease and vaccination?
Contact your physician or your student health services. Additional information is available on the websites of New York State Department of Health, www.health.ny.gov; Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/vaccines; and American College Health Association, www.acha.org
Contact the Wellness Center at: 716-614-6275
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