Texas State - Student Health Center

What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that can lead to a dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability or death. About 2,600 people contract bacterial meningitis each year in the United States. 10 to 15 percent of these cases are fatal in spite of treatment with antibiotics. The disease can also cause permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures or amputation.

Why are college students at risk for meningitis?
College students have a greater risk of bacterial meningitis infection than the general population because of activities that are often part of college life, such as living in residence halls, eating in dining halls and attending classes.

How is meningitis transmitted?
Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with anyone already infected with the disease. The infection is spread through close contact with oral secretions, such as shared drinks, utensils and cigarettes, through coughing or through intimate contact, such as kissing.

What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of meningitis may include:

High fever
Rash
Vomiting
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Lethargy
Nausea
Sensitivity to light

Because the infection progresses rapidly, you should seek medical care immediately if two or more of these symptoms occur at the same time.

How long after exposure to meningitis will symptoms appear?
It is easy to mistake the early symptoms of bacterial and viral meningitis for the flu. These symptoms may develop over a period of one or two days, but some types of meningitis can prove fatal in a matter of hours. Even in less severe cases, the longer you delay receiving treatment, the more likely you are to have permanent neurological damage. Seek medical care right away if you or someone you know has any of the above symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap in which a needle is inserted into an area of the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria is necessary to prescribe the correct antibiotic treatment.

How is it treated?
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early in the course of the disease. Appropriate antibiotic treatment should reduce the risk of fatal meningitis to below 15 percent, although the risk is higher among the elderly.

Is it contagious?
Yes, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e. coughing, kissing). People in the same residential unit, day care center or anyone with direct contact with an infected person's oral secretions would be at an increased risk of acquiring the infection. People who qualify as close contacts of a person with meningitis should receive antibiotics to prevent them from becoming infected. Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as the ones that cause the common cold or the flu.

Can I prevent meningitis?
You can minimize your risk of bacterial meningitis by receiving a vaccine. The meningitis vaccine is generally safe and effective and is used for immunization against bacteria strains A, C, Y and W-135, which account for about 70 percent of bacterial meningitis cases. At this time, it is unclear how long immunity lasts, so booster shots may be required in the future. As with any vaccine, not all individuals will be protected 100 percent after receiving the immunization.

Does the vaccine have side effects?
The bacterial meningitis vaccine is generally well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. Some people may experience a local reaction (warmth, redness, swelling or soreness) at the injection site for one to two days. However, as with any drug or vaccine, there is a possibility that allergic or other more serious reactions may occur.

Who should not get the meningitis vaccine?

Anyone with a serious, active infection
Anyone with a hypersensitivity or allergy to thimerosal, a preservative used in eye drops and vaccines
Any woman who is or may be pregnant

Will my insurance pay for the vaccine?
TheTexas State insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine. If you have other health insurance, check the policy for reimbursement information.

When can students be vaccinated?
Students can call the Student Health Center at (512) 245-2167 to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.

Links you can use
Health Education Resource Center (512) 245-2309
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome to obtain confidential answers to health questions. Located in suite 201 of the Student Health Center at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.

Student Health Center (512) 245-2167
Located at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.
Confidential information and care is available by appointment with a physician or nurse. There are no fees for medical care at the Student Health Center. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This site has information about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis.

Medline Plus
This site has several articles discussing meningitis, including general overviews and information about treatment and prevention.

PBS Nova Series: "Killer Disease on Campus"
At this site you can read an interview with a college-aged survivor of meningitis, read frequently asked questions about meningitis and view interactive displays about vaccine production.

Last Modified: May 31, 2006