Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis
This information is being provided to all new college students in the state
of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease
that can progress extremely fast – so take utmost caution.It is an inflammation
of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. 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.
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High fever
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Rash or purple patches on skin
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Light sensitivity
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Confusion and sleepiness
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Lethargy
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Severe headache
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Vomiting
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Stiff neck
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Nausea
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Seizures
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There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under
the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear
seek immediate medical attention.
| HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
DIAGNOSED? |
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Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination
of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood
tests.
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Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of
recovery.
| HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED? |
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The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing,
or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes,
etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
| HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK
OF GETTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS? |
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Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils,
food, kissing, etc.
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Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group
home).
| WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
OF THE DISEASE? |
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Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
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Permanent brain damage
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Kidney failure
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Learning disability
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Hearing loss, blindness
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Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
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Gangrene
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Coma
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Convulsions
| CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED? |
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Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of
recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can
still occur.
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Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
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Those living in close quarters
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College students 25 years old or younger
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Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types
that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against
all types of meningitis).
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Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting
3-5 years.
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The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
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Vaccination is very safe – most common side effects are redness and minor
pain at injection site for up to two days.
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Vaccination is available at UT-Houston Student Health Services, Hermann
Professional Building, Suite 1200 (prior to February 2002) or Suite 1010
(after February 2002) at a cost of $75.
| HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? |
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Contact your own health care provider.
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Contact your Student Health Center at 713-500-5171.
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Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at:
H. Mark Guidry, MD, MPH
Public Health Regional Director
Judith Morris, Acting Deputy Reg. Dir. for Admin.
Regional Headquarters Houston
5425 Polk, Suite J
Houston, TX 77023
713/767-3000
FAX 713/767-3049
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Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm;
www.acha.org