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Date:  14 December 2007

Protect Students Against Bacterial Meningitis

The Casper-Natrona County Health Department, 475 South Spruce Street, Casper is offering vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis for students between the age of 15 and 18 years on Friday, December 28^th from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm at a cost of $10. The usual cost for this vaccination is $100. No appointment is necessary, however students must have their shot records and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information call the Health Department at 235-9340.

As students prepare to go to college and experience dorm living for the first time parents should consider protecting them from this devastating and potentially deadly disease. Bacterial, or meningococcal, meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause either severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord or a serious blood infection known as meningococcemia.  Long-term effects of this illness can include brain damage, seizures, hearing loss and limb amputation.  The number of cases among adolescents and young adults has increased in the past 10 years.

Studies show that certain college-age students, especially those living in dormitories, are at an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis compared to other persons in the same age group.  Certain social behaviors, including drinking, smoking (both active and passive) and being in crowded situations like a dormitory or bar, may put college students at greater risk.

Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, usually through close, personal contact (i.e., coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing a drinking glass, utensils or cigarettes).  Meningococcal meningitis is not spread by casual contact such as breathing air where the infected person has been.

About 3,000 cases of meningococcal meningitis are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.  One in 10 cases is fatal.  Because meningococcal meningitis can progress rapidly, often within hours, about 20 percent of those who survive suffer devastating side effects that can include brain damage, hearing loss and amputations.  Meningococcal meningitis cases have increased in the U.S. since 1990, especially among adolescents and young adults.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis may resemble the flu and can include a fever, headache and stiff neck.  Other symptoms can consist of nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sensitivity to light.  Some people develop a rash mainly on their arms and legs.  In some instances, seizures can occur.  Since symptoms progress rapidly, it is critical that medical attention is sought immediately.

A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against four of the five most common serogroups of N. meningitidis.  Studies show that up to 80 percent of meningococcal meningitis cases can be prevented with the vaccine.

This is an excellent opportunity to protect students who plan on going to college or the military in the future.