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Meningitis Information
UK Immunization Requirements

What is meningococcal meningitis?
Meningococcal disease, which can lead to bacterial meningitis, is caused by bacteria that infect the bloodstream, lining of the brain and spinal cord. Ten to 14 percent of people with meningococcal disease die, and 11 to 19 percent of survivors experience brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, loss of limbs, seizures, or strokes.

What is the treatment and how is it spread?
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with one of several antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of dying from the disease. Antibiotics can also help prevent transmission to others. Transmission is by direct contact with secretions from the nose and mouth of an infected carrier, such as kissing, coughing, and sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils. Meningococcal meningitis is not as contagious as the common cold or the flu, and is not spread by casual contact.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include high fever, headache, and stiff neck and can develop very quickly over several hours or may take one to two days and can progress rapidly to death. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, visual sensitivity to light, confusion, and drowsiness. A respiratory illness or a sore throat often precedes these symptoms.

College freshmen, particularly those living in residence halls, are at higher risk for meningococcal disease. Meningococcal vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of infection, protecting against the strains of bacteria that cause 68 to 83 percent of this disease in the college age population.

Is the meningitis vaccine available at University Health Service?
The meningitis vaccine is required for all incoming students living in UK residence halls, before enrollment. The vaccine is available for students at University Health Service. Students should call (859) 323-APPT (2778) to make an appointment to get the vaccination; there is a cost for the vaccine. The American College Health Association (ACHA) now recommends this vaccine for college freshmen, especially those living in residence halls. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that freshmen living in residence halls receive the vaccine.

What happens if a student is diagnosed with meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a rare but very serious illness that can be fatal. If you have bacterial meningitis you must be given intravenous antibiotics in a hospital immediately. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, rash and high fever. If you have these symptoms you should see a physician immediately. If UHS is not open go immediately to the closest emergency room.

Who can students and parents contact for additional information on meningococcal meningitis and the vaccine?
For additional information on meningococcal meningitis and the vaccine, parents and students can call the University Health Service Patient Information Nurse at (859) 323-4636. For detailed information about meningitis and the meningitis vaccination, please go to the American College Health Association's Meningitis on Campus web site.

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