SHS - Meningitis Information

Introduction

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare, but serious illness caused by a bacterial infection of the spinal cord and brain. About 2,600 Americans get this disease each year, and 10 to 15% of these people die. Anyone can get the disease, particularly college freshmen who live in group housing such as residence halls or large houses, have a significantly increased risk of getting this disease.

It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually on college campuses and 5 to 15 students die as a result.

For these reasons, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the American College Health Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that those students living with a large number of people learn about this disease and the potential benefits of vaccination. Other risk factors besides living in a dormitory area are active and passive smoking, bar patronage, and alcohol consumption.

Meningitis Policy (Effective August 1, 2005)

The University of Kansas-Lawrence Campus:

• Requires all students starting residence in KU Department of Student Housing residence halls, scholarship halls and Jayhawker Towers to receive the meningitis vaccination;
• Strongly recommends that students living in other forms of group housing such as sorority/fraternity houses, Naismith Hall, etc. receive the vaccination;
• Encourages all other students to consider vaccination; and
• Encourages all students to become knowledgeable about meningitis and its symptoms in order to reduce their personal risk.

All students starting residence in University-owned group housing must either provide written documentation of immunization or sign a waiver to indicate they have been informed about the disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized. Non-compliant students will be placed on administrative HOLD following the first week of classes and remain on administrative HOLD until the compliance is documented with Student Health Services.

Transmission

The meningococcal germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. Many people carry this particular germ without any signs of illness, while others may develop serious symptoms.

Symptoms

Meningitis usually begins suddenly with:

• severe headache
• stiff neck
• high fever
• skin rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitivity to light

Incubation

The symptoms may appear two to ten days after exposure, but usually within five days. From the time a person is first infected until the germ is no longer present in discharges from the nose and throat, he/she may transmit the disease. The duration varies among individuals and with the treatment used.

Treatment

Antibiotics can be effective in the treatment and prevention of most cases of meningococcal infection; if given early in the disease, or, after known exposure. Death or long-term disabilities can result from an overwhelming infection even with immediate treatment.

Preventative Measures

Some measures are:

• Practice good personal hygiene by covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing.
• Wash hands frequently with soap.
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils.
• Maintain good general health by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, and avoiding alcohol.
• Avoid inhaling cigarette smoke, due to the fact that it increases susceptibility to infection.
• Know the symptoms of the disease and immediately see a physician if they should occur.
• Consider getting the meningococcal vaccine, especially if you are in group housing.
• Those who experience close-care contact may be advised to receive prophylactic antibiotics.

Vaccine

The current meningococcal vaccine can prevent four important types of meningococcal disease, including two of the three types most common in the United States and a type that causes epidemics in Africa. It does not prevent all types of the disease, but can help protect many people who might become ill.

Up to 83% of meningococcal disease in college students is caused by strains of Neisseria Meningitis, that are potentially vaccine-preventable. That is why many schools require or recommend meningococcal vaccination for their students. Because the vaccine does not cover all strains of Neisseria meningitis, it is important to know the warning signs and see a physician if they occur.

See the sidebar section for, More Meningitis Information, for additional resources to assist you in making a decision on whether you should get the vaccine or not. You may also wish to discuss your choices with your doctor, your state health department, or KU's Student Health Services.

More Information

Some excellent online brochures:

• Meningococcal Vaccine - CDC (pdf)


• Aventis Meningococcal Student Brochure (pdf)

Some important telephone numbers:

• Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at their toll-free phone number: (800)232-2522.


• Kansas Department Of Health Locations
• To schedule an appointment to further discuss this information or to receive your vaccine, call KU Student Health Services (Watkins Memorial Health Center): (785) 864-9500
  

Or, email us at: Student Health Services.

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