Meningococcal disease includes two forms of bacterial infection, which may occur separately or together:
Meningitis, where the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and the brain are infected, causes swelling and inflammation
Meningococcemia, where the bacteria get into the bloodstream and travels to many organs of the body.
Between 15 and 20 percent of people who get this disease die. Of those who survive, it is not uncommon to suffer from permanent damage, such as amputation of hands, feet, arms, or legs; brain damage; hearing loss; and seizures.
The early symptoms can look no different from a cold or flu, and therefore, initially are often ignored. Some symptoms are headache, fever, stiff neck, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. A purplish red rash, mainly on the arms and legs, sometimes develops, especially as the disease advances. The disease can progress very rapidly, and death can ensue within hours. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for recovery, but because early symptoms mimic less serious illnesses, it can be hard to make the diagnosis before the illness is more advanced.
According to the American College Health Association, meningococcal meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur each year on college campuses and five to fifteen students die as a result. Meningococcal meningitis disease includes two forms of bacterial infection that may occur separately or together. Meningitis infects the tissue surrounding the spinal cord and brain causing swelling, while meningococcemia causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream, invading the body's organs.
A vaccine is now available, which can help protect individuals from meningococcal disease, including meningitis. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AP) have recently modified their guidelines to recommend that parents and students be advised of the availability of this vaccine and encouraged to consider having students receive it.This vaccine has been shown to be 85 percent effective in protecting individuals from four groups (or serotypes) of meningococcus. It does not offer protection against a fifth serotype of meningococcus which causes about a third of cases in this age group. Adverse reactions, which are mild and infrequent, usually consist of pain or redness at the injection site. Fever and hypersensitivity reactions can occur. A single-dose vaccination produces protective antibody levels in seven to 10 days. Immunization with meningitis vaccine should be deferred during any acute illness. The vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women or individuals sensitive to thimerosal or any other components of this vaccine. The American College Health Association, a national nonprofit organization serving and representing the interests of professionals and students in health and higher education, does not recommend the vaccine for adults over age 30, as they are rarely afflicted by this infection.
You should first call your family health care provider to discuss your questions about the meningococcal vaccine. To speak to someone regarding University sponsored vaccination clinics or the Meningococcal Vaccination/Exception form, go to Vaccination Contacts.
