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 over others in their age group. A U.S. health advisory panel recommends that college students learn more about meningitis and vaccination.

What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for meningitis include dormitory living, which applies to a large number of our students, but some other risk factors do not, such as active and passive smoking, bar patronage, and alcohol consumption. However, we cannot assume that meningitis could never strike our campus.

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, 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. Because the disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to assuring recovery.

Is vaccination effective?
The meningitis vaccine, Menomune, has been shown to provide protection against the most common strains of the disease, including serotypes A, C, Y and W-135. These strains account for about 65% of the cases that have been reported in the college-age group. Serogroup B is not vaccine preventable. Rates of mortality and complications are highest with the strains that are covered by the vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe? What about side effects?
The vaccine is very safe and adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the site of injection lasting up to two days.

Does Simpson University offer the meningitis vaccine here on campus?
Yes, you may receive this vaccine at the Health Center. The cost is $60. This is our cost to purchase the vaccine, and payment is required when you receive vaccination. Menomune is also available at county public health departments, but at a higher price.

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 about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Some survivors are left with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, limb amputations, seizures, or hearing loss.

How can I get more information?
Call the Health Center (530-226-4178) or check these web sites: http://www.acha.org/ or www.cdc.gov/ncidod.
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