Meningitis

MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE UPDATE

A male University of Georgia student died early Saturday December 1, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital of meningococcemia (blood infection with meningococcal bacteria). Whether or not the student had meningitis will not be clear until additional test results are reported. This student lived off campus – not in a campus residence hall. Clarke County Health Department has identified all persons who have been in close contact with the victim and they are seeking appropriate prophylactic treatment. No additional people have been identified or diagnosed as having bacterial meningitis – just the one student.

Meningococcal disease is spread by close contact of respiratory secretions, such as drinking directly after someone, kissing, and sharing utensils, or by being coughed or sneezed upon. It is not spread by being in the same classroom or by passing someone on the street.

Meningococcal Disease and MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS

Bacterial meningitis is characterized by these symptoms:

• Fever and chills
• Persistent and severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Purplish skin rash

Meningococcal Disease and MENINGITIS INFORMATION

Additional information on bacterial meningitis may be found at:

• the UGA Health Center information on this page continued below, and at www.uhs.uga.edu,
• the CDC website at www.cdc.gov,
• GA Division of Public Health at www.dhr.georgia.gov or 404-657-2700
• www.webmd.com for general information about meningitis
• Georgia Department of Human Resources Bacterial Meningitis Factsheet (Adobe pdf)
• Georgia Department of Human Resources Meningococcal Disease in Georgia Factsheet (Adobe pdf)

For additional questions, contact the University Health Center Meningitis Information Line between 8am and 5pm, Monday – Friday at 706-542-8608

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

If you have further questions about whether you may have been exposed, UGA students are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.uhs.uga.edu, or call 706-542-8666 for an appointment. Others are advised to contact a personal physician for an appointment. Anyone who is extremely anxious about contact or risk of disease, or who is urgently ill should see their physician immediately or go to a local emergency room for evaluation.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether a virus causes meningitis or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disability.

Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis Vaccine
Viral Meningitis
Meningococcal Disease

Bacterial Meningitis

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear within five days of exposure and include high fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, stiff neck or back, and abdominal, back and extremity pain. Symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 or 2 days. These symptoms, particularly in the early stages, may resemble common upper respiratory ailments such as the cold or flu. If a student experiences progression of cold symptoms to more severe symptoms, including a persistent and severe fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, extreme physical weakness, and a purplish rash, s/he should immediately contact the University Health Center or his/her health care provider for assessment and treatment.

Is bacterial meningitis contagious?
Bacterial meningitis is contagious, however, it is not easily transmittable. Indirect or casual contact (such as being in the same room with someone who is infected) is not enough to cause transmission of bacterial meningitis. Direct contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis does increase the likelihood of being exposed to it. This includes direct exposure to oral or nasal secretions, which result from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Therefore, good hygiene practices help prevent its transmission. Do not share eating or drinking utensils.

Who needs preventive antibiotics to protect against bacterial meningitis?
Persons who have had recent intimate or direct exposure to someone with meningococcal disease may be at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease and should receive prophylactic medication. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware, or droplet contamination with nose or throat secretions from the infected individual.

Can meningitis be treated?
Unlike viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis can be treated through the use of antibiotic therapies. Students with persistent symptoms they are unsure about should come to the Acute Care Clinic at the University Health Center for appropriate assessment. No appointment is necessary. The Acute Care Clinic is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

University Health Center staff stresses the importance of being informed on this health issue. Students with any concerns about the effect of bacterial meningitis on their health and well-being should not hesitate to contact the health center for information and clarification of their concerns.

Meningitis Vaccine | top

Is there a meningitis vaccine?
A vaccine is currently available at the University Health Center, which protects against four of the five serogroups of bacterial meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B, which accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15-24 year old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for three to five years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection. Call the Allergy / Travel Medicine Clinic at 706-542-5575 for an appointment.
For more information about the meningitis vaccine visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Viral Meningitis | top

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may not be the same for every person. The more common symptoms are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness or confusion and nausea or vomiting.

Is viral meningitis a serious disease?
Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely. Often the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. For that reason, if a student has these symptoms, he/she should go to the University Health Center or other health care provider for assessment and treatment.

How is viral meningitis treated?
No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients recover completely on their own, and doctors often will recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache.

Is viral meningitis contagious?
The viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious. However, most people exposed to the viruses causing meningitis will not develop the disease. They may have no symptoms or develop only a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Typically, less than 1 out of 1000 persons infected actually develop meningitis. Therefore, if you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of becoming infected but a very small chance of developing meningitis.

How is the virus spread?
Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time you are infected until you develop symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop symptoms.

How can I reduce my chances of becoming infected?
Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become sick, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are in contact with someone who has viral meningitis, however, the most effective method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Meningococcal Disease | top

As of January 1, 2004, all postsecondary educational institutions in Georgia are required to provide information on meningococcal disease and vaccination to each newly admitted freshman or matriculated student residing in campus housing (Official Code of Georgia Annotated §31-12-3.2).

Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset: one in ten cases is fatal and one in seven survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as loss of a limb, mental retardation, paralysis, deafness or seizures.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitis and occurs when these bacteria, which can live harmlessly in the nose and throat of healthy people, invade the tissues or bloodstream of the body. Meningococcemia occurs when N. meningitidis enters the blood stream; meningitis occurs when the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord is invaded; and pneumonia occurs when the bacteria infects the lungs.

Meningococcal disease is contagious but a largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain.
Meningococcal bacteria are spread from person to person by direct contact or intimate exposure with an infected person’s oral or nasal secretions, such as saliva or respiratory droplets. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware. Fortunately, the bacteria is not as contagious as the common cold and does not spread by being in the same room or breathing the same air as an infected person. The bacteria is not transmitted by routine contact in classrooms, restaurants, bars and restrooms where an infected person has been.

Approximately 5 to 10% of the general population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the nose and throat in a harmless state. This carrier state may last for days or months and seems to give those individuals who harbor meningococci in their upper respiratory tract some protection from actually developing the disease state.

Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in residence hall facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
The incidence of meningococcal meningitis has increased since the early 1990's, including cases at U.S. colleges and universities. Recent data also show students living in residence halls, particularly first year students, have an increased risk for the disease.

Data suggests that certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase students' risk for contracting the disease.

Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of the disease.
A vaccine is currently available at the University Health Center, which protects against four of the five serogroups of meningococcal meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B that accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15-24 year old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for three to five years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection. Interested students should call the Allergy / Travel Medicine Clinic at 542-5575 for an appointment

Students should be aware of common symptoms of meningitis including stiff neck, headache, fever, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, confusion, and seizures. Meningococcal blood infection causes fever and rash. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should see a health care provider even if they had the vaccine.

Information taken from
American College Health Association
Center for Disease Control

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Back to Health Topics page Meningitis MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE UPDATE A male University of Georgia student died early Saturday December 1, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital of meningococcemia (blood infection with meningococcal bacteria). Whether or not the student had meningitis will not be clear until additional test results are reported. This student lived off campus – not in a campus residence hall. Clarke County Health Department has identified all persons who have been in close contact with the victim and they are seeking appropriate prophylactic treatment. No additional people have been identified or diagnosed as having bacterial meningitis – just the one student. Meningococcal disease is spread by close contact of respiratory secretions, such as drinking directly after someone, kissing, and sharing utensils, or by being coughed or sneezed upon. It is not spread by being in the same classroom or by passing someone on the street. Meningococcal Disease and MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS Bacterial meningitis is characterized by these symptoms: • Fever and chills • Persistent and severe headache • Stiff neck • Sensitivity to bright lights • Drowsiness or confusion • Nausea or vomiting • Purplish skin rash Meningococcal Disease and MENINGITIS INFORMATION Additional information on bacterial meningitis may be found at: • the UGA Health Center information on this page continued below, and at www.uhs.uga.edu, • the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, • GA Division of Public Health at www.dhr.georgia.gov or 404-657-2700 • www.webmd.com for general information about meningitis • Georgia Department of Human Resources Bacterial Meningitis Factsheet (Adobe pdf) • Georgia Department of Human Resources Meningococcal Disease in Georgia Factsheet (Adobe pdf) For additional questions, contact the University Health Center Meningitis Information Line between 8am and 5pm, Monday – Friday at 706-542-8608 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT If you have further questions about whether you may have been exposed, UGA students are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.uhs.uga.edu, or call 706-542-8666 for an appointment. Others are advised to contact a personal physician for an appointment. Anyone who is extremely anxious about contact or risk of disease, or who is urgently ill should see their physician immediately or go to a local emergency room for evaluation. What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether a virus causes meningitis or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disability.	Bacterial Meningitis Meningitis Vaccine Viral Meningitis Meningococcal Disease
Bacterial Meningitis What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually appear within five days of exposure and include high fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, stiff neck or back, and abdominal, back and extremity pain. Symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 or 2 days. These symptoms, particularly in the early stages, may resemble common upper respiratory ailments such as the cold or flu. If a student experiences progression of cold symptoms to more severe symptoms, including a persistent and severe fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, extreme physical weakness, and a purplish rash, s/he should immediately contact the University Health Center or his/her health care provider for assessment and treatment. Is bacterial meningitis contagious? Bacterial meningitis is contagious, however, it is not easily transmittable. Indirect or casual contact (such as being in the same room with someone who is infected) is not enough to cause transmission of bacterial meningitis. Direct contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis does increase the likelihood of being exposed to it. This includes direct exposure to oral or nasal secretions, which result from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Therefore, good hygiene practices help prevent its transmission. Do not share eating or drinking utensils. Who needs preventive antibiotics to protect against bacterial meningitis? Persons who have had recent intimate or direct exposure to someone with meningococcal disease may be at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease and should receive prophylactic medication. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware, or droplet contamination with nose or throat secretions from the infected individual. Can meningitis be treated? Unlike viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis can be treated through the use of antibiotic therapies. Students with persistent symptoms they are unsure about should come to the Acute Care Clinic at the University Health Center for appropriate assessment. No appointment is necessary. The Acute Care Clinic is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday. University Health Center staff stresses the importance of being informed on this health issue. Students with any concerns about the effect of bacterial meningitis on their health and well-being should not hesitate to contact the health center for information and clarification of their concerns. Meningitis Vaccine \| top Is there a meningitis vaccine? A vaccine is currently available at the University Health Center, which protects against four of the five serogroups of bacterial meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B, which accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15-24 year old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for three to five years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection. Call the Allergy / Travel Medicine Clinic at 706-542-5575 for an appointment. For more information about the meningitis vaccine visit the Center for Disease Control website. Viral Meningitis \| top What are the symptoms? The symptoms may not be the same for every person. The more common symptoms are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness or confusion and nausea or vomiting. Is viral meningitis a serious disease? Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely. Often the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. For that reason, if a student has these symptoms, he/she should go to the University Health Center or other health care provider for assessment and treatment. How is viral meningitis treated? No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients recover completely on their own, and doctors often will recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache. Is viral meningitis contagious? The viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious. However, most people exposed to the viruses causing meningitis will not develop the disease. They may have no symptoms or develop only a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Typically, less than 1 out of 1000 persons infected actually develop meningitis. Therefore, if you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of becoming infected but a very small chance of developing meningitis. How is the virus spread? Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time you are infected until you develop symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop symptoms. How can I reduce my chances of becoming infected? Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become sick, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are in contact with someone who has viral meningitis, however, the most effective method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Meningococcal Disease \| top As of January 1, 2004, all postsecondary educational institutions in Georgia are required to provide information on meningococcal disease and vaccination to each newly admitted freshman or matriculated student residing in campus housing (Official Code of Georgia Annotated §31-12-3.2). Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset: one in ten cases is fatal and one in seven survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as loss of a limb, mental retardation, paralysis, deafness or seizures. Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitis and occurs when these bacteria, which can live harmlessly in the nose and throat of healthy people, invade the tissues or bloodstream of the body. Meningococcemia occurs when N. meningitidis enters the blood stream; meningitis occurs when the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord is invaded; and pneumonia occurs when the bacteria infects the lungs. Meningococcal disease is contagious but a largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningococcal bacteria are spread from person to person by direct contact or intimate exposure with an infected person’s oral or nasal secretions, such as saliva or respiratory droplets. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware. Fortunately, the bacteria is not as contagious as the common cold and does not spread by being in the same room or breathing the same air as an infected person. The bacteria is not transmitted by routine contact in classrooms, restaurants, bars and restrooms where an infected person has been. Approximately 5 to 10% of the general population carries the meningococcal bacteria in the nose and throat in a harmless state. This carrier state may last for days or months and seems to give those individuals who harbor meningococci in their upper respiratory tract some protection from actually developing the disease state. Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in residence hall facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. The incidence of meningococcal meningitis has increased since the early 1990's, including cases at U.S. colleges and universities. Recent data also show students living in residence halls, particularly first year students, have an increased risk for the disease. Data suggests that certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase students' risk for contracting the disease. Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of the disease. A vaccine is currently available at the University Health Center, which protects against four of the five serogroups of meningococcal meningitis. It does not protect against serogroup B that accounts for approximately 32% of all cases in the 15-24 year old age group. The vaccine produces protective antibodies in 7-10 days and is effective for three to five years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, and include pain and redness at the site of the injection. Interested students should call the Allergy / Travel Medicine Clinic at 542-5575 for an appointment Students should be aware of common symptoms of meningitis including stiff neck, headache, fever, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, confusion, and seizures. Meningococcal blood infection causes fever and rash. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should see a health care provider even if they had the vaccine. Information taken from American College Health Association Center for Disease Control
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