Meningococcal Meningitis Disease Facts

Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream or meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord).

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is more common in infants and children. For some college students, such as freshmen living in dormitories, there is an increased risk of meningococcal disease. Between 120 and 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses every year in the United States; between 5 and 15 college students die each year as a result of the infection. Other persons at increased risk include household contacts of a person known to have had this disease, and people traveling to parts of the world where meningitis is prevalent.

The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. Many people carry this particular germ in their nose and throat without any signs of illness, while others may develop serious symptoms.

High fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash are symptoms of meningococcal disease. Among people who develop meningococcal disease, 10-15 percent die despite treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, loss of arms or legs, or chronic nervous system problems can occur.

The symptoms may appear 2-10 days after exposure, but usually within 5 days.

Antibiotics, such as penicillin G or ceftriaxone, can be used to treat people with meningococcal disease. 

Yes, a safe and effective vaccine is available. The vaccine is 85% to 100% effective in preventing four kinds of bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) that cause about 70% of the disease in the United States. The vaccine is safe, with mild and infrequent side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to 2 days. After vaccination, immunity develops within 7 to 10 days and remains effective for approximately 3 to 5 years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100% of all susceptible individuals. 

Contact your family physician or the Dow Zanghi Student Health Center. Additional information is also available on the following websites:

The New York State Department of Health, www.health.state.ny.us ;
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov ;
and the American College Health Association, www.acha.org .

Source: New York State Immunization Program, http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/immun/meningococcal/fact_sheet.htm. , 7/2003.

New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires that all college and university students enrolled in a degree or certificate program for at least six (6) semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least four (4) semester hours per quarter, complete and return the Immunization Form and return it to the Counseling and Wellness Center. Students who have not submitted complete immunization records within 30 days of the start of classes will be administratively withdrawn.