Meningitis

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis. It is spread through the air by the droplets made in coughing or sneezing. It is also spread by contact with an infected person’s saliva – when 2 people kiss or share cups and/or eating utensils. Only a few people who are infected will become ill. If you are infected you may become ill in 2 different ways: meningitis or meningococcemia.

What is meningitis?

The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a covering called the meninges. Meningitis occurs when bacteria start growing on this covering and the fluid surrounding it.

A person with meningitis may have:
• fever
• very bad headache
• bright lights frequently make the headache worse
• neck stiffness (because the lining of the spinal cord is infected)
• vomiting, sleepiness, confusion

If you have these symptoms- call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room.

Meningitis can be caused by different viruses and bacteria – but Neisseria meningitides is the most common.

What is meningococcemia?

Meningococcemia is an infection of the blood caused by bacteria. An infected person develops shock (very low blood pressure), and the organs, such as the kidneys, quit working.

How common is meningococcal disease?

In the US, approximately 2,600 people are diagnosed every year. Babies are at the highest risk, but teens are a high risk also. Among adolescents, college freshmen living in dormitories, cigarette smokers, and bar patrons are at even higher risk. Anyone can get meningitis.





Why do people worry so much about such a rare disease?

This disease is very scary. It looks like the flu when it starts and it can get worse very quickly. Antibiotics can be used to treat the disease but sometimes it is too late. 10 % of people with the disease die. Of those who survive, 11-19% experience serious consequences such as loss of arms or legs, deafness, neurological changes or seizures.

This is a very serious disease with very serious consequences. There is no reason to risk it, so getting the vaccine is strongly recommended.

Who should get vaccinated?

We used to vaccinate pre-college, but now there is a newer vaccine that lasts longer so we are able to vaccinate 11 and 12 year olds so that they are protected through high school and college.

Possible side effects from the vaccine are redness and/or pain at the injection site and possible fever. Serious allergic reactions are rare.

Sources:

1) “Getting Immunized to Protect Against Meningococcal Disease.” American Academy of Pediatrics: Adolescent Health Update, Vol. 19, No. 1. . November 2006.

2) “Meningococcal Vaccines: What You Need to Know.” CDC Vaccine Information Statement: Meningococcal, 7 October 2005.

For More Information Visit the Following Websites:

CDC’s Meningococcal Disease Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningoccal_g.htm

National Meningitis Association Website:
http://www.nmaus.org

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