Press Release

Meningitis Infection

Since the early 1990’s, there has been an increase in meningitis outbreaks in the US. The occurrence of the disease usually peaks in late winter and early spring. Meningitis is an infection that can lead to a dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viruses or bacteria cause the disease. Viral meningitis is the more common form of the disease and is less severe. Patients with viral meningitis generally recover completely on their own without treatment. Bacterial meningitis is more severe and can result in brain damage, hearing loss, or possibly death.

Viral and bacterial meningitis are spread by direct contact with an infected persons nose or throat secretions, it is NOT airborne.  Such contact includes sharing drinks, kissing, or direct coughing on another person.  Symptoms would occur 1-10 days after exposure and include headache, fever, stiff neck, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or a purplish rash.  (An infected person may not have all the above signs).  Since both bacterial and viral meningitis have the same symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention due to the severity of bacterial meningitis and the necessity of treatment. 

Several different types of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis.  Some of these types have vaccines available to prevent the infection.  Children under age 5 have the vaccines HIB and Prevnar that protect against S. pneumonia and H. influenzae respectively.   The American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have reported that college age students (especially freshman living in dormitories) are found to be at an increased risk for Neisseria meningitis.  Menoume is the vaccine available for this age group and protects against serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.