More than 1,340 fall semester students have been vaccinated in the past several weeks as part of a new annual campaign to prevent or limit future outbreaks of meningitis at Washington State University. The information and vaccination campaign, launched early this summer by WSU’s Health and Wellness Services, hopes to attract as many as 4,000 participants, said Dr. Bruce Wright, director of Health and Wellness Services.
This effort was precipitated last spring when three WSU students came down with the disease in approximately two months. Due to the alertness and quick response of medical staff at Pullman Memorial Hospital and Health and Wellness Services, the students were treated and transported immediately to Spokane, avoiding more serious consequences and possible death.
Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control show that college students in dormitories, fraternities and sororities have a 600% higher risk of contracting meningitis than the average population. As a result, the CDC encourages information and vaccination programs at universities, similar to the one WSU has launched.
“Getting the shots is voluntary, so students and their parents usually make some sort of risk vs. benefit analysis based on the information, then make a final decision,” said Wright. “There are about 3,000 to 4,000 in our primary target group. We know not everyone will get the shots, but we’re hoping to get about 2,500 to 3,000.”
Throughout the summer, Wright and his staff have been conducting an information campaign targeted at freshmen and their parents who attended the Alive! orientation sessions. Of those attending, 717 opted to receive the inoculation.
Health and Wellness also mailed letters regarding the disease and vaccination campaign to all returning and new students. In addition, Wright said he’s talked to about 1,000 people, including resident advisors from dormitories and student officers from sororities and fraternities.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection, commonly referred to as meningitis. When it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to an increase of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
The Center for Disease Control states that 10 – 15 percent of cases are fatal. Of patients who recover, 10 – 15 percent have permanent hearing loss or other serious sequelae.
“About 10 percent of the population carry the bacteria normally in their noses and throats, and the immune system keeps it in check,” said Wright. “But for reasons we don’t completely understand, if a person gets run down — due to fatigue, stress, another infection, drinking, smoking, or a combination of these — it can give the bacteria an opportunity to get into the blood stream and into the meninges, which are located in the lining of the brain or spinal cord.
“We strongly encourage incoming students to obtain this vaccine, particularly if they will be living in dense residential areas like residence halls or fraternities and sororities,” said Wright.
The vaccine is effective against four out of five bacteria strains that cause meningococcal disease and is effective for 3-5 years. The vaccine costs approximately $68 and is covered by some insurance plans.
Symptoms of meningococcemia include high fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and joint pains. Symptoms of meningitis include severe headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, lethargy and high fever. Both conditions may resemble the flu. Those with symptoms should seek treatment immediately.
The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing).
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as cold or flu viruses, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
Close contacts are considered housemates or family members; those who have shared eating, drinking, or smoking materials; and those who have had sexual contact with the individual within 10 days prior to the diagnosis of the illness. Exposure to active and passive tobacco smoke may also increase people’s risk.
More information about meningococcal disease can be found at: www.hws.wsu.edu, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo. And you can contact Health and Wellness Services at 335-3575.
