Student Health Center

Meningitis

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the America College Health Association (ACHA) have approved recommendations that urge all students living in residence halls to be immunized against meningococcal disease. 

Meningococcal disease strikes 1,400 to 3,000 people in the US each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths.  Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States.  In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year and 5 to 15 students will die as a result.

Due to lifestyle factors such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing person items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.

Symptoms of Meningococcal infection include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and discomfort looking at room light.  Other symptoms could include persistent vomiting, nausea, sleepiness, and confusion.  As the infection progresses, one may develop seizures. It is contagious and progresses rapidly.  Meningococcal infection is easily transmitted through droplets of respiratory and throat secretions or direct contact with infected persons through kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or cigarettes.  It can lead to death or permanent disabilities. 

A meningococcal vaccine (conjugate) has been available since 2005 that has the potential to provide protection against four of the five strains/types of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease—types A, C, Y, and W-135. 

This vaccine is available at the Kalamazoo College Student Health Center for $110 or may be available at your physician’s office.  This immunization is not required to attend college but it is strongly recommended.

For more information about meningitis or about vaccination, please contact the Student Health Center at 269-337-7200.

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