Is meningitis common in college students?

Essentially, meningitis is more common in college students because of the nature of the setting. The young adults can’t escape large groups of people with constant close contact and proximity. Meningitis infection requires shared respiratory and throat secretions.

What percentage of college students get meningitis?

These cases represent approximately 3% of the total cases of meningococcal disease that occur each year in the United States. Eighty-seven (97%) cases occurred in undergraduate students, and 40 (44%) occurred among the 2.27 million freshman students entering college each year (16).

When was the last meningitis epidemic?

In Tshopo Province, which is in the African meningitis belt, the last meningitis epidemic was reported in November 2009, with 214 cases and 18 deaths (case-fatality ratio of 8%).

Is bacterial meningitis common in college?

The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect 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.

Why do dorms get meningitis?

Meningococcal disease is bacterial and causes bloodstream infections and meningitis. College students, especially those living in residence halls, are prone to contracting the disease because of their close proximity to each other.

How is meningitis spread in college?

The latest findings essentially confirm long-standing fears about college-related vulnerabilities, given that “the bacteria that leads to meningitis B lives in the nose and throat and can be spread by close contact from coughing, sneezing or kissing,” Glatter noted.

Is meningitis a pandemic disease?

In the past, meningitis has been classed as a pandemic. As WHO explains, ‘the most recent meningococcal meningitis pandemic began in the mid-1990s.

How does a meningitis outbreak start?

A meningococcal disease outbreak occurs when multiple cases of the same serogroup (type) happen in a population over a short time period.

Why is meningitis common at university?

Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

Should college students get meningitis B vaccine?

The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for college freshman living in a dormitory. The vaccine has been recommended for 11-12 year olds since 2005, so it is possible that incoming freshmen have already received a dose. If you received a dose before age 16, you should get a booster before you go to college.

Is meningitis vaccine required for college?

Many states require colleges to provide information on risks of meningococcal disease to incoming students or students residing on campus. Some states, colleges, and universities require meningococcal vaccination for certain students, unless the students provide a vaccination waiver.