In June of 1999, the American College Health Association (ACHA) published a news release stating that because of new statistics showing that cases of bacterial meningitis are on the rise in college students, the ACHA is recommending that college students get the vaccine against bacterial meningitis.
The concern stems from a recent nationwide surveillance showing that, while overall, university students were not at increased risk for meningococcal disease, certain subgroups seemed to be at increased risk. The subgroups that were identified as having a greater potential of contracting the disease are: a) students who engage in high-risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, bar patronage, and alcohol consumption and b) freshman who live in dormitories.
Meningococcal (bacterial) meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes inflamation of the membranes surrounding the brain. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis in order of frequency are: stiff neck, fever, headache, rash, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. The disease is transmitted through close, direct contact with with the oral secretions of an infected person by sharing glasses or utensils, kissing, and coughing. Meningitis is rare in persons over 30 years old and is more common in the late winter and early spring.
A meningococcal vaccine called Menomune is available and is 85% effective against four out of the 5 subgroups of meningococcal meningitis. The vaccine provides protection for 3 to 5 years and is contraindicated in persons allergic to thimerosal.
For more information about bacterial meningitis, visit the links below or come to University Medical Services