This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflamation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also affect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. What are the Symptoms? - High fever - Rash or purple patches on skin - Light sensitivity - Confusion and sleepiness - Lethargy - Severe headache - Vomiting - Stiff neck - Nausea - Seizures There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention. How is Bacterial Meningitis diagnosed? - Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combin- ation of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. - Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery. How is the disease transmitted? - The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions. How do you increase your risk of getting Bacterial Meningitis? - Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc. - Living in close conditions (such as sharing room/suite in a dorm or group) home). What are the possible consequences of the disease? - Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead) - Permanent brain damage - Kidney failure - Learning disability - Hearing loss, blindness - Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that require amputation - Gangrene - Coma - Convulsions Can the disease be treated? - Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur. - Vaccinations are available and should be considered for: - Those living in close quarters - College students 25 years old or younger - Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but do not protect against all types of meningitis) - Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years. - The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider - Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at the injection site for up to 2 days - Vaccinations are available locally through: - Harlingen: TSTC Student Health Services, 956-364-4305 - Marshall: Good Shepherd Occupational Medicine, 103 West Loop 281, Longview, TX, 903-315-5520 - Waco: Waco-McLennan County Public Health District at 225 W. Waco Drive, 254-750-5410; and Dr. Scott Lea of Waco Infectious Disease Associates at 2911 Herring Ave., Suite 203, 254-755-4450 - West Texas: Taylor County Health Department, 2241 S. 19th, Abilene, TX, 325-692-5600 How can I find out more information? - Contact your own health care provider - Contact TSTC Student Health Services at: Harlingen - (956)364-4305; Waco - (254) 867-3820; West Texas - (325) 235-7418 - Harlingen: Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (956) 423-0130 ext 544 - Marshall: marshall-Harrison County Health, 1900 South Washington, Marshall, TX, 903-938-8338 - Waco: Contact the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District at (254) 750-5410 - West Texas: Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (325) 235-5463 - Contact Web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo or www.acha.org