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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial
Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take,
utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000
Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college
students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems
or disabilities.
What Are The Symptoms?
High fever |
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Confusion and sleepiness |
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Vomiting |
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Rash or purple patches on skin |
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Lethargy |
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Stiff neck |
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Light sensitivity |
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Severe headache |
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Nausea |
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Seizures |
There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur
anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear, seek
immediate medical attention.
How Is Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical
symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early diagnosis and
treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
How Is The Disease Transmitted?
The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing
drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with
respiratory or throat secretions.
How Do You Increase Your Risk Of Getting Bacterial Meningitis?
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Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
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Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
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What Are The Possible Consequences Of The Disease?
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Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
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Hearing loss, blindness |
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Permanent brain damage |
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Gangrene |
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Kidney failure |
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Coma |
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Learning disability |
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Convulsions |
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Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that require amputation |
Can The Disease Be Treated?
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Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are
increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
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Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close quarters and
college students 25 years old or younger.
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Vaccinations are effective against four of the five most common bacterial types that cause 70%
of the disease in the United States (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
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Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
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The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
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Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
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How Can I Find Out More Information?
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Contact your own health care provider. |
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Contact your Student Health Center at (940) 552-6291 ext. 2276. |
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Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (940) 552-8770 in
Vernon or (940) 767-8593 in Wichita Falls. |
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Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo ;
www.acha.org. |
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