Meningitis
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meningitis/meningitis vaccine
Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord caused
by either viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis
and usually occurs in late spring and summer. Signs and symptoms of viral meningitis
may include stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Most cases of viral
meningitis run a short, uneventful course. Since the causative agent is a virus,
antibiotics are not effective. Persons who have had contact with an individual with
viral meningitis do not require any treatment. Bacterial meningitis occurs rarely
and sporadically throughout the year, although outbreaks tend to occur in late winter
and early spring. Because this type of meningitis can cause grave illness and rapidly
progress to death, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. Approximately 3,000
cases of bacterial meningitis occur each year in the U.S. Preliminary data from
a surveillance study of U.S. college students indicates that for college freshmen
the rate is 1.4 cases per 100,000. For college freshmen living in dormitories the
rate is 3.8 cases per 100,000. There is no public health recommendation for universal
immunization at this time. However, the Center for Disease Control recommends that
information about meningococcal meningitis and the potential benefits of vaccination
be provided to college students, and that the vaccine be made available to college
freshmen or other undergraduates. UCSB Student Health recommends the meningitis
vaccination for freshmen. Some health insurance plans cover or subsidize the cost
of the vaccine. If it is covered, there is often a requirement that it be given
at your local primary care provider's office, so call your local doctor or health
plan to check. More information about meningitis and the vaccine can be found at
http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/ or or phone 893-3371.
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