BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria.

Bacterial Meningitis occurs rarely and sporadically throughout the year, although outbreaks tend to occur in late winter and early spring. Neisseria meningitis or Streptococcus pneumoniae most likely causes bacterial meningitis in college-aged students. Because meningococcal meningitis can cause grave illness and rapidly progress to death, it requires early diagnosis and treatment.

The most common symptoms are headache and neck stiffness associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises.

Meningitis is spread through direct contact with respiratory and throat secretions (kissing, sharing eating utensils, and being exposed to droplet contamination from the nose or throat.)

Risk of exposure can be reduced by:

• Frequent hand washing
• Getting adequate diet, rest and exercise
• Avoiding direct contact with others who have upper respiratory infections
• Avoiding smoking, stress and excessive use of alcohol

If you are experiencing any symptoms, or have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, contact your health care provider.

For more information see:

www.sru.edu/PAGES/266.asp

www.vaccineinformation.org

www.dhpe.org/infect/bacmeningitis.html

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/bactmen.htm

For anxiety or grief counseling:

http://www.sru.edu/pages/13161.asp