Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Cases can be mild if caused by a virus or more severe if caused by bacteria.
Meningococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that is rare but can cause serious illness and death. College freshmen living in dormitories are one of the groups at higher risk than the general population of a similar age. See the CDC meningitis website.
How is meningococcal meningitis spread?
Meningococcal disease is spread by close contact with oral or nasal secretions of an infected person, including kissing or sharing items such as eating utensils, drinking glasses, or cigarettes. The bacteria cannot live outside the body for more than a few minutes and it is not easily transmitted from an infected person through water, swimming pools, or casual contact in a classroom, dining facility, weight room, training room, or restroom.
What are the symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of meningitis include high fever, neck pain and stiffness, severe headache, mental status changes (confusion, lethargy), vomiting, and/or rash. The initial symptoms can resemble the flu. However, because the disease may progress rapidly, students are urged to seek medical care immediately if they experience two or more of these symptoms concurrently.
How serious is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is very serious. About 10-15% of persons with invasive meningococcal disease die. Of those who recover, up to 20% suffer from some serious long term complication, such as permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage.
Is there a vaccine?
There are three types of meningococcal vaccines available in the US. These vaccines are not used for treatment following exposure, but they can protect against future infection.
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MenACWY helps protect against 4 serogroups of meningococcal disease (A, C, W, Y). Vaccination with one of these vaccines is part of the standard immunization recommendations for adolescents and is required for incoming students at UC Berkeley.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine brand names in the U.S. are Menactra®, Menveo®, and MenQuadfi®.
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MenB vaccine helps protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease and is recommended by California Department of Public Health for first-year college students, especially if they didn’t receive a dose on or after their 16th birthday. Brand names of MenB vaccine are Bexsero® and Trumenba®.
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MenABCWY vaccine (brand name Penbraya®) helps protect against 5 serogroups A, B, C, W and Y. This vaccine is an option for people who plan to get a MenACWY and MenB Trumenba® vaccine in the same visit and one dose meets the MenACWY UC Berkeley requirement.
Where can I get more information about vaccination against meningococcal meningitis?
- CDC: Meningococcal Vaccination
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Meningococcal Disease Information