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| Student Services >> Health Center >> 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 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 American 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.
High fever - Severe headache - Rash or purple patches on skin - Vomiting
- Light sensitivity - Stiff neck - Confusion and sleepiness - Nausea -
Lethargy - Seizures.
THE MORE SYMPTOMS, THE HIGHER THE RISK, SO IT THESE SYMPTOMS APPEAR
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Diagnose 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.
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.
Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils,,
food, kissing, etc.
Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or
group home).
Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead). Permanent brain
damage - Kidney failure - Learning disability - Hearing loss - Blindness
- Limb damage (fingers, toes arms, legs) that require amputation - Gangrene
- Coma - Convulsions
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of
re convey are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still
occur.
Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
1. Those living in close quarters.
2. College students 25 years old or younger
Vaccinations are effective against 4 or the 5 most common bacterial types
that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against
all types of meningitis.)
Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting
3-5 years.
The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor
pain at injection site for up to two days.
Vaccination is available at Dallas County Health Department Phone number
is 214 - 819 - 2000.
Contact your own health care provider.
Contact your Student Health Center.
Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at 817-264-4551.
Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disease
info
www.acha.org
THIS INFORMATION IS REQUITED BY SECTION 51.9191 OF THE TEXAS EDUCATION
CODE.
Back to the EFC Health home page.
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