|
What is
Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal Disease is a rare but potentially life threatening bacterial
infection that requires immediate treatment. The bacterium, Neisseria
meningitidis, is the responsible germ which can manifest in one’s body
as meningitis (an inflammation of the thin lining of the brain and spinal
cord), septicemia (blood poisoning) as well as arthritis and pneumonia.
Who can get
meningococcal disease?
Anyone can get meningococcal meningitis, but it is more common in infants,
children and young adults. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
surveillance reports over the last several years suggest increasing
incidence of outbreaks on college campuses. Because of this, the American
College Health Association (ACHA) recommends that colleges and
universities inform all students about the availability of a safe,
effective vaccine and provide access to the vaccine for those students who
wish to be vaccinated against the disease. The CDC supports the decision
of the ACHA to educate students and parents about this disease and the
available access to the vaccine.
Approximately 10% of the general population carries meningococcal bacteria
in their noses and throats in a harmless state. The carrier state may
last for days or months before it disappears spontaneously.
These carriers who harbor the bacteria in their upper respiratory tracts
(nose and throats) may have some protection against developing actual
meningococcal disease.
The most common manifestation of this disease is meningococcal meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis is responsible for approximately 300 deaths a
year.
Who is at
risk for meningitis?
It
is a relatively rare disease. Clusters of cases or outbreaks of
meningococcal disease (three or more people with the same bacteria type
causing the disease) have occurred. During an outbreak, the percentage
of people carrying the bacteria may approach 95%, yet the percentage of
people who actually develop meningococcal disease is less than 1%.
Students living in the confined environment of a college campus may have
an increased risk for this disease. Data indicates that social behaviors,
such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage and
excessive alcohol consumption also increase students risk of getting the
disease. Outbreaks usually occur in the late winter and early spring when
school is in session.
When and for
how long is an infected person able to spread the disease?
From the time a person is first infected until the germ is no longer
present in discharges from the nose and throat, he or she may transmit the
disease. The duration varies according to treatment used.
What are the
symptoms of meningitis?
The symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and
often vomiting, stiff neck and frequently a rash. The symptoms may appear
1 to 10 days after exposure, but commonly less than 4 days after exposure.
How can I
reduce the risk of getting the disease?
Meningococcal disease is spread through the exchange of nose or throat
secretions via:
-
Sharing the same
drinking utensil (cup, bottle, glass, can or jug)
-
Sharing the same
mouthpiece of an instrument (trumpet, clarinet)
-
Sharing the same
eating utensil.
-
Sharing the same
cigarette, cigar etc.
-
Sneezing or
coughing in someone’s face
-
Sharing the same
chapstick or lipstick
-
Kissing.
How can I
reduce the risk of getting the disease? (continued)
Break the chain of transmission of Meningococcal disease
-
Use your own
drinking/eating utensils
-
Use your own
instrument mouthpiece
-
Cover your nose
and mouth with a tissue or your hands when sneezing or coughing.
-
Throw away the tissue and wash your hands
-
Don’t share
cigarettes or cigars, etc.
-
Don’t share
chapstick or lipstick.
What is the
treatment for meningococcal meningitis?
Certain antibiotics are very effective in eliminating the germ from the
nose and throat. Penicillin is the drug of choice for cases of
meningitis.
Should people
who have had contact with a diagnosed case of meningococcal meningitis be
treated?
Only people who have been in close contact (household members, intimate
contacts, health care personnel performing mouth to mouth resuscitation,
day care center playmates etc.) need preventive treatment. These contacts
would be advised to take a specific medication for a two day period.
Casual contact (in a classroom or office) is not usually significant to
warrant preventive medication.
How effective
is the vaccine to prevent the disease?
The meningococcal vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective. The
vaccine provides protection against serogroups A,C,Y,W-135, the most
common strains of the disease. a majority of cases (75 percent) in the
college age group are caused by Serotype C, which is included in the
vaccine. Development of immunity post vaccination requires 7-10 days. The
duration of the vaccine’s efficacy is approximately three to five years.
Who should be
vaccinated for the prevention of the disease?
Pre- exposure vaccination will enhance immunity to the bacteria that cause
most strains of meningococcal
disease. For the college population, we recommend the following groups
consider vaccination:
-
Entering college
students who elect to decrease their risk for meningococcal disease.
-
The highest
priority is among students age 18 - 24 years of age. Students older than
25 years have a lower risk of contracting the disease.
-
Non pregnant
persons 30 years or younger who request vaccination in order to decrease
their risk for disease or who are at risk due to increased cases in their
area.
What things
should be done after receiving the vaccine?
The following simple treatments can help reduce the severity of any side
effects you may experience:
-
Drink
eight to 12 glasses of water or fruit juice a day. Avoid alcohol during
this period as they tend to increase the severity of the side effects.
-
If
you have any mild symptoms of body aches or fever, you may take Tylenol or
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed on the packaging.
-
To
decrease arm soreness, apply ice to the area. You do not have to limit
your activity if your arm is sore.
· IF
YOU FEEL YOU ARE HAVING A REACTION THAT IS MORE THAN THE NORMAL REACTION,
PLEASE EITHER TELEPHONE US OR RETURN TO THE HEALTH SERVICE.
Meningococcal disease is rare. However, anyone who becomes ill with mild
flu like symptoms should watch for the sudden onset of increased fever
(101 or greater) with headache, vomiting, rash or change in mental state.
If any of these additional symptoms develop, do not delay in seeking
medical attention.
FOR A CONSENT FORM:
(click)
|
