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Information provided by Aventis Pasteur Inc. 2004

In January, Karen (an 18-year-old college freshman) woke up and thought she was getting the flu. As the day went on, she felt worse and worse. By the time she arrived in the emergency room that evening, she had experienced several seizures and was going into shock. Meningococci (the bacteria that cause meningitis) had caused severe swelling of Karen’s brain, and gangrene, which was rapidly spreading to her arms and legs. Despite appropriate antibiotics, to save Karen’s life, doctors had to amputate two of her limbs. And as a result of the swelling of her brain, Karen suffers from a loss of hearing and requires anticonvulsant medication to control her seizures. *Karen represents a hypothetical college student.

Fact about Meningitis

Facts to know about Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the brain and spinal cord. Someone may have the bacteria and no signs or symptoms, but through sneezing, coughing or sharing drinking glasses could infect a vulnerable individual or a large group of people. Meningitis is very difficult to diagnose and treat.

Signs and Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms are often mistaken for the flu or other respiratory infection. Meningitis can kill a healthy, young adult in 48 hrs. 1 out of 5 people who contract Meningitis will die! One out of five who do survive will suffer from permanent disabilities such as amputation, severe scarring, brain damage and hearing loss.

Dormitory Students at Greater Risk

Center for Disease control reports that college freshman living in dormitories have a 6-times greater chance of getting Meningitis. Fortunately, up to 83% of meningococcal disease in college students is caused by strains of bacteria that are potentially vaccine-preventable.