MENINGOCOCCAL MENIGITIS

What is meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare, but serious bacterial infection that attacks the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although the risk for contracting this disease is low for students, if left untreated, meningitis can lead to hearing loss, seizures, brain damage and even death. There are about 2800 cases per year in the United States. The mortality rates are about 10-15% with about 300 deaths per year.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The disease is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or by close contact with a person infected with the disease. The symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy.

How can it be prevented?

Although meningitis can affect people at any age, certain groups are at increased risk. Children less than 4 years of age have the highest incidence. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of meningococcal meningitis in those aged 15-24. Certain lifestyle behaviors that may be relatively common among college students increase risk for meningococcal disease. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, and living in a dormitory or close living situation. Although there has been a meningococcal vaccine available since the 1970s (Menomune), it was not very popular because its protection did not last very long. Fortunately, a new meningococcal vaccine called Menactra is now available and it is expected to offer better and more long lasting protection.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is currently recommended that Menactra be given to all children at their routine well child visit to their doctor when they are 11 or 12 years old. Teens should also get it when they start high school or if they are going to be living in a dorm at college and haven't gotten a meningococcal vaccine yet.

According to the CDC, meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for teens who want to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease and:

• U.S. military recruits
• anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa
• anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed
• anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder)
• people who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
• microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria

Keep in mind that both Menactra and Menomune will be available now, with Menactra being the preferred vaccine for people between the ages of 11 to 55 years of age. Menomune (the older vaccine) can still be given to children between the ages of 2 and 10 years and people over age 55.

Where can some one get the vaccine?

The UNR Student Health Center does provide the vaccination for students who choose to be immunized. It can also be obtained from local health departments and private physicians. It is not required for college admission. At the Student Health Center, the cost for Menactra and Menomune is $95.00. Please call (775) 784-6598 for a nurse appointment to assure vaccine availability. Vaccine information can be found under Immunizations on our web site. For additional information about the vaccine or about meningitis, please contact the UNR Student Health Center at (775) 784-6598.

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