Health Topics: Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis, a rare but potentially fatal illness, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually in the United States.
The American College Health Association recommends that college students consider being vaccinated against this disease. It makes this recommendation because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance reports over the last several years suggest increasing incidence of outbreaks on college campuses. Because of this, ACHA recommends that colleges and universities inform all students about the availability of a safe, effective vaccine and provide access to the vaccine for those students who wish to be vaccinated against the disease. Although the CDC does not recommend meningococcal vaccination for the general population, except to control outbreaks, it supports ACHA's decision to educate students and parents about meningococcal disease and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.
What causes meningococcal meningitis?
It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of meningitis and septicemia (or blood poisoning) in the United States. Meningitis is one of the most common manifestations of the disease, although it has been known to cause septic arthritis, pneumonia, brain inflammation, and other syndromes.
How does meningitis spread?
Meningitis is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Direct contact, for these purposes, is defined as oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or through intimate contact such as kissing.
Who is at risk for meningitis?
Students living in the confined environment of a college campus may have an increased risk for meningococcal disease. Data indicates certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption, also increase students' risk of getting the disease. Outbreaks usually occur in the late winter and early spring when school is in session.
How often do outbreaks occur on college campuses?
From 1980 to 1993 there were 21 outbreaks, three of which occurred in colleges. From 1994 to 1996 there have been 51 outbreaks, six of which occurred in colleges (Woods et al., CDC unpublished). Between 1986 and 1993, an outbreak was defined as five cases of the same serotype in 100,000 people with at least three occurring within three months. From 1994 to present, 10 cases of the same serotype in 100,000 people with at least three occurring within three months constitute an outbreak.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The early symptoms usually associated with meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy. Because the disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, students are urged to see university health officials immediately if they experience two or more of these symptoms concurrently.
Why should college students consider the meningococcal vaccine?
Pre-exposure vaccination will enhance immunity to the bacteria that cause most strains of meningococcal disease and therefore reduce a student's risk for disease. Development of immunity post-vaccination requires 7-10 days. The duration of the meningococcal vaccine's efficacy is approximately three-to-five years.
