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For Immediate Release: September 5, 2003 (03-149)
Contacts:
Cindy Gleason, Immunization
Program 360-236-3569
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Meningococcal disease a threat on college campuses
OLYMPIA ¾ College-bound students may have many uncertainties, but one thing they can be sure of is having health information at their fingertips. Recent legislation requires higher education institutions with residential campuses to provide information on meningococcal disease and the vaccine that prevents it. Students living in dorms are more likely to be exposed to this potentially life threatening disease than those in other living quarters.
The incidence of meningococcal disease including meningococcal meningitis has risen in the past 10 years, including cases at U.S. colleges and universities. Meningococcal disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, and an estimated 100 to 125 cases occur on college campuses. Up to 15 students die from the disease each year. The disease can also cause permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, limb amputation and kidney failure.
"It is important for college-bound students to check with their doctor or clinic about receiving the vaccine that helps prevent against four types of this disease," said Dr. Maxine Hayes, State Health Officer.
Higher education institutions must provide information to students that include symptoms, risks, treatment, current vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and locations where the vaccination can be received.
Meningococcal bacteria from the throat are transmitted through the air and by direct contact with persons infected with the disease, making students who live in close-quarters like dorm rooms more susceptible. Oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or intimate contact with an infected person may also increase the risk of acquiring the disease. People who have been in contact with a person with meningococcal disease should receive antibiotics to prevent themselves from acquiring the disease. The vaccine is 85 to 100 percent effective in preventing two major types of meningococcal meningitis in older children and adults.
In addition to college-bound students, others should consider getting the vaccine:
Anyone traveling or living where the disease is common, such as some parts of sub-Saharan Africa
Anyone with a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed
Certain immune system disorders (check with your healthcare provider)
Some laboratory workers who may be exposed to the bacteria
The Department of Health Immunization Program (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize) Web site has more information.
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