Meningitis Fact Sheet

University of New Orleans
Student Health Services

What is meningitis?

It is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Neisseria Meningitidis.  It has two forms: meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation that affects the brain and spinal cord, or as meningococcemia, which is the presence of bacteria in the blood. It may also be viral.

Symptoms of meningitis:

High Fever
Rash
Vomiting
Neck Stiffness
Lethargy
Nausea
Severe headache
Sensitivity to light

Meningitis usually peaks in late winter and early spring, overlapping with the flu season. The infection progresses quickly and students should seek medical care immediately if two or more of these symptoms occur at one time. If untreated, it can lead to shock and death within hours of the first symptoms. Permanent disabilities may include brain damage, seizures, hearing loss, or limb amputation.

How is it transmitted?

The bacterium is transmitted through air droplets (sneezing, coughing) and direct contact with someone already infected. Direct contact also occurs with shared items, such as glasses or cigarettes, or intimate contact such as kissing.

How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.

Am I at risk?

Meningitis can strike at any age. It is spread through close proximity and contact, thus concentrations of people are of concern.

-individuals living in residence halls
-U.S. military recruits
-individuals with damaged or removed spleen
-people with routine exposure to the bacterium (such as scientists)
-anyone in close contact with a known case
-anyone with an upper respiratory infection with a compromised immune system
-anyone traveling to endemic areas of the world where it is prevalent

Each year, meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans and claims about 300 lives.
Approximately 125 cases occur on college campuses each year. 5-15 college students die each year as a result. During the 1990’s the frequency of outbreaks rose at U.S. colleges and universities. The cases among teenagers and young adults have more than doubled. A freshman living in the dorms has a six-fold increase of risk.

What about prevention?

A vaccine is available which is 85-100% effective in preventing four kinds of bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135) that cause about 70% of disease in the U.S.
It is considered safe, with mild and infrequent side effects such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to 2 days.

After vaccination, immunity develops within 7-10 days and remains effective for 3-5 years. As with any vaccine, vaccination may not protect all susceptible individuals. Healthy lifestyles and hand washing also promote immunity and protection.

While not required by federal or state law, the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that all first year students living in residence halls be vaccinated.

Contact Student Health Services if you wish to be vaccinated. You must stay on-site for 30 minutes post-injection for observation.

For more information

American College Health Association               
www.acha.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention      www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm