Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans 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.
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| Higher Fever |
Severe Headache |
Stiff neck |
Learning disability |
| Light Sensitivity |
Vomiting |
Seizures |
Coma |
| Confusion and sleepiness |
Lethargy |
Nausea |
Convulsions |
| Rash or purple patches on skin (caused by bleeding under the skin) |
| The more symptoms, the higher the risk. When these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. |
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis 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.
HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED?
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.
HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK OF GETTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
Your risk is increased through exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc., or by living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE?
Death (in 8 to 24 hours from seemingly healthy to dead)
Hearing loss, blindness Permanent brain damage Gangrene
Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that require amputation
CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED?
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and increase chances of recovery. However, permanent disability or death can still occur. Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close quarters and for college students 25 years old or younger. Vaccinations are effective against four of the five most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the United States (but do not protect against all types of meningitis). Vaccinations take seven to ten days to become effective, with protection lasting three to five 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.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
Contact your health-care provider or the Student Health Center at Texas Southern University, (713) 313-7173 or (713) 313-7174. Or, call your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (713) 767-3000
web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm www.achca.org
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