What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of
brain and spinal cord membranes caused by either viruses or bacteria;
bacterial meningitis, the more serious but fortunately less common
form of the disease, occupies the current focus of attention.
Meningococcal meningitis progresses very rapidly and therefore
requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with antibiotics.
What are the signs and symptoms
of meningococcal disease?
Symptoms often mimic those of the flu, including high fever, severe
headache, stiff neck, nausea, and lethargy. In advanced cases
a diffuse purple rash may develop. We have notified all Reed students
of these symptoms and instructed them to report immediately to
the health center or go to the emergency room of a local hospital
during off hours if these symptoms develop.
How many cases of meningococcal disease occur each year?
The disease strikes one per 100,000 for both the general population
and students living off campus. The risk increases to three per
100,000 students living in on-campus housing. Approximately 100
cases of meningitis are reported in Oregon each year. Approximately
10 percent of those who contract the disease die; many others
suffer permanent and debilitating damage to the brain, limbs,
kidneys, or hearing.
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Who
is at risk?
The disease is spread through contact
with an infected person’s oral secretions. Such contact includes
sharing utensils or drinking glasses, kissing, and coughing. It
also appears that smokers, those under physical stress, and IV drug
users may be at increased risk for contracting the infection.
How effective is the meningococcal
vaccine?
A partially effective vaccine is available
to students who request it at a cost of approximately $70; most
medical plans, however, will not cover this kind of preventative
treatment. Over half of these cases reported in the Pacific Northwest
are caused by a strain that is resistant to the vaccine. Although
the college is not recommending widespread use of the vaccine at
this time, students are encouraged to discuss this option with family
and health care providers. |
