Meningitis a concern on college campuses

by Linsey Heiser news editor one who has viral meningitis

Meningitis is a disease that can be potentially fatal, and that is why there has been concern regarding it especially on college campuses. The American College Health Association recommends that college students consider a vaccination. The vaccination is safe and lasts approximately three years.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord caused by eithe~ viruses or bacteria. The common age group that meningitis affects is those 15-24.

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial and usually occurs during late spring and summer. The symptoms of viral meningitis include a stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting and rashes. Since the cause is a virus, antibiotics are not needed. Anyone who comes in contact with some- does not need any treatment.

The more serious type of meningitis is bacterial. This type occurs rarely, although the outbreaks usually occur in late winter and early spring. Because bacterial or meningococcal meningitis can cause severe illness or death, it requires an early diagnosis and treatment. It can be treated with prophylactic therapy, which requires one dose of the antibiotic, Cipro. If this disease is untreated, it can be fatal.

The common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, severe sudden headache accompanied by mental changes, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting. Also, a rash may appear as a flat, red eruption on the arms and legs. It may then change into a rash of small dots that do not change with pressure.

About IO percent of the general population carry the bacteria in the nose and throat

# in a harmless state. Eventually, the carrying of the bacteria just disappears in most cases. During outbreaks, the percentage of carriers can reach 95 percent, but the people who will develop the disease is less than one percent. There is about one case of bacterial meningitis per 100,000 people.

Because the bacteria cannot survive outside the body for more than a few minutes, they are not easily transmitted in water supplies, swimming pools or by casual contact. The bacteria may be transmitted by kissing, sharing eating utensils and being exposed to droplet contarninati_on from the nose or throat.

Meningitis can be rapidly progressive, but the chance of a full recovery is increased with early recognition, a spinal tap and antimicrobial therapy. The best way to reduce the risk of contracting bacterial meningitis is to maximize the body's immune system response. This can occur by eating a bal- anced diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising appropriately and avoiding excessive stress. Also, decreasing the exposure to oral secretions, such as covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands may help.

According to Susan Fitzgerald, college nurse, Cabrini has never had an outbreak of bacterial meningitis but did have one case of viral meningitis. However, Villanova had an outbreak of bacterial meningitis a few years ago, in which the student did not survive.

If someone thinks that they may have meningitis, the first thing to do is contact a doctor. "Meningitis is less contagious than the common cold, but has the potential to be fatal," Fitzgerald said. "Do not ignore the symptoms."

If you have any question about the disease, call Cabrini health services at 9028400 or come to the health office.