MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE FACT SHEET

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Meningococcal Disease Risk and College Students: The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that college freshmen who live in campus residence halls be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. Research data published by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates the incidence of meningococcal disease remains relatively rare, less than 100 cases per year among university students in the United States. However, reported rates were higher among university students living in on-campus residence halls (2.2 cases/100,000 for all students, and 4.6 cases/100,000 for freshmen).

• Students living in residence halls, particularly younger students, have a modestly increased risk of meningococcal disease relative to other persons their age. The CDC recommends freshmen living in residence halls be vaccinated. However, the CDC does not recommend that the level of increased risk warrants any specific changes in university living arrangements.
   
• The CDC also recommends that: younger students who want to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease; students with compromised immune systems; students traveling to areas with high meningococcal disease rates; and, students employed in research or occupations involving exposure to meningococcal disease be vaccinated as a preventive measure before possible exposure.
   
• The University of South Carolina concurs with the CDC’s recommendations, and strongly encourages all freshmen, regardless of place of residence, be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. The CDC recently revised their recommendation. USC is currently evaluating alternatives to encourage vaccination, and may announce more rigorous requirements in the future.

What is Meningococcal Disease?  Meningococcal disease (commonly called meningitis) is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. The clinical disease appears as either an inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain (meningococcal meningitis) or as a blood infection (meningococcemia). The specific bacterium that causes this disease is Neisseria meningitidis. About 2800 people get meningitis in the U.S. each year. 10 to 15% of these people die, despite antibiotic treatment, and 10% to 20 %of survivors have serious medical consequences.  Disease incidence usually peaks in late winter and early spring. 

Humans serve as the reservoir for N. meningitidis, and transmit it to others through direct contact, including sneezing, coughing, kissing, and sharing items. Susceptibility to the clinical disease is low, and decreases with age. Early treatment is much more effective and reduces risk. Common early symptoms include sudden onset of one or more of the following. Students with these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

High Fever	Severe Headaches	Neck Stiffness	Nausea
Vomiting	Confusion	Lethargy	Rashes

Prevention:  Maintain good general health and practice proper personal hygiene. Avoid sharing smoking materials, drinks, and other such items. Reduce exposure to overcrowded situations. Protect yourself from others who are coughing or sneezing. The best prevention action? Be vaccinated to reduce disease risk.

Vaccination:  Vaccines are available that protects for a period of from three to ten years, depending on which vaccine is used, against those strains of the bacteria that cause some 75 to 80 percent of the meningococcal disease cases in college-aged students.  Vaccine is available at the Student Health Center at a cost of approximately $100. Students can call to schedule the vaccination.

To schedule a vaccination, call the Student Health Center at 803-777-3175.

Student Health Services  •  Department of Student Development & University Housing  •   Division of Student Affairs