New Recommendations for Meningitis

The American College Health Association issued new menigitus recommendations to ensure all first-year students living in residence halls are immunized with a reformulated meningococcal vaccine recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new recommendation is to immunize all incoming college freshman living in dormitories (or residence halls) against meningococcal disease. Furthermore, the new recommendations state that other college studetns under 25 years of age may choose to receive the meningcoccal vaccination to reduce their risk from the disease.

Meningitis Risk for College Students

Certain college students are at increased risk for meningcoccal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In fact, freshmen living in dorms are found to have a six fold increased risk for the disease. A U.S. health advisory panel recommends that college students, particularly freshman living in residence halls, be vaccinated against meningitis.

What is at risk for Menigitis?

Meningitis can strike at any age; however, certain groups have a greater risk for contracting the disease:
- College students, particularly freshman who live in campus residence halls.
- Anyone in close contact with a known case.
- Anyone with an upper respiratory infection with a compromised immune system.
- Anyone traveling to areas of the world where meningitis is endemic (prevalent in the region).

How is it spread?

Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with persons already infected with the disease. Direct contact also occurs with shared items, such as drinking glasses, straws, cigarettes, and eating utensils, or through intimate contact such as kissing.

What are the symptoms?

The early symptoms usually associated with meningococcal meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy, and may resemble the flu. Since meningitis usually peaks in late winter and early spring, it can easily be mistaken for the flu. Because the disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to assuring recovery. Students should seek medical care immediately if two or more of these symptoms occur at one time. If untreated, meningitis can lead to shock and death within hours of the first symptoms.

Is vaccination effective?

The vaccine is 85% to 100% effective in preventing four kinds of bacterial infections (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) that cause about 70% of disease in the U.S. After vaccination, immunity develops within 7 to 10 days and remains effective for a minimum of 3 to 5 years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100% of all susceptible individuals.

Can I get the meningitis vaccine at Southern Miss Student Health Service?

You may receive this vaccine at the Health Center. The cost is $97.

How common is meningitis in college students?

Meningitis is rare, but it can be fatal. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses each year, and as many as 15 students will die from the disease. The disease strikes between 1,400 - 3,000 Americans each year and claims approximately 150 - 300 lives. Cases amoung teenagers and young adults have more than doubled since 1991. The frequency of outbreaks increased at U.S. colleges and universities during the 1990s.

How can I get more information?

Call the Southern Miss Student Health Center at 601-266-5390.
See information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source: Meningitis On Campus: Know Your Risk, American College Health Association, 2005.

This information is brought to you by Southern Miss Student Health Services. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of advice from a physician or other health care provider. If you have questions concerning any health issue, the staff at Student Health Services is here to serve you. Drop by to see us or call 266-5390 to make an appointment at your convenience.

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