Meningitis

About Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial infection that strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths. Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students will die as a result.

Due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.

Meningococcal infection is contagious, particularly in crowded conditions such as residence halls at colleges or universities. Symptoms may include fever, stiff neck, rash, nausea, and vomiting. The disease progresses very rapidly and can easily be misdiagnosed as the flu. Students should seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are present and unusually sudden or severe.

If not treated early, meningitis can lead to death or permanent disabilities. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.

For More Information on Meningitis

Meningitis Information

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.

Meningitis usually begins suddenly with:

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

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.

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.

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.

The required 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.

Review the Meningitis Vaccine FAQ on this page 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 Watkins Health Services.

Meningitis Vaccine FAQ

Because you may participate in the following behaviors and others not listed that put you at a significantly greater risk than other college students of getting this contagious disease:

  • Live in group housing, (residence halls)
  • Share drinking glasses, eating utensils, or food
  • Share makeup
  • Kiss a boyfriend or girlfriend
  • Share water bottles
  • Going to bars
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Smoke or inhale secondhand smoke
  • Irregular sleep or eating habits
  • Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4--Menomune®) has been available since the 1970s. It is now recommended for children 2-10 years and adults over 55, who are at risk.
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4-Menactra®) was licensed in 2005.
  • Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4-Menveo®) was licensed in 2010.
  • MenQuadfi was licensed in 2005 for use in individuals 2 years and older.

MenQuadfi® is approved for use in individuals 2 years and older. This helps to protect an expanded age group. Our choice in using MenQuadfi® is related to lowering costs for patients and ease of administration.

The meningitis B vaccine protects against a less common strain of meningococcal disease. Healthcare providers recommend this vaccine to patients with certain conditions (damaged/removed spleens, rare genetic disorders) or patients taking certain medications (Solaris). It is also recommended when patients are identified as part of a population at increased risk of exposure due to an active serogroup B meningococcal outbreak.

This vaccine is not required by KU but it is recommended. Many healthcare providers, including Watkins Health Services, offer this vaccine.

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to receive a meningitis vaccine by calling 785-864-9507.

The vaccine is well tolerated. Common side effects from MenQuadfi® include pain and redness at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and fainting. Sometimes fainting is accompanied by falling with injury. Other side effects can also occur.

The duration of the meningococcal vaccine’s efficacy following immunization is approximately three to five years. It is routinely recommended for all children at age 11-12 years; then give a booster at age 16 years. Adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13-15 years, should receive a one-time booster dose, preferably at age 16 through 18 years.

Please call our Business Office at 785-864-9520 to determine the cost of the vaccine. You should also contact your insurance provider to determine if it will be covered.