A student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus has been confirmed to have meningococcal meningitis, according to the McKinley Health Center.
The student is being treated at a local hospital.
University officials are contacting friends and roommates of the student to identify others at risk.
Meningitis means inflammation of a membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord. It may have several causes. The most serious is the bacterial form, Neisseria meningitidis, because it strikes swiftly and sometimes fatally.
About 10% of the population are carriers, which means that the bacteria lives in the back of the throat or respiratory tract. It usually doesn’t bother the carrier.
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The bacteria are spread from person to person, through droplets of throat or respiratory tract secretions. Close contact is required:
- kissing
- crowded condition
- frequently eating or sleeping in the same dwelling
- sharing eating and drinking utensils
Vaccines are available that can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menactra® and Menveo®)
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (Bexsero® and Trumenba®)
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The Meningitis Foundation of America offers extensive information regarding diagnosis, immunization, recovery and the after effects of meningitis. ***MFA survives entirely by donations.*** Since 1997 we have assisted people through resources and advocacy in efforts to help those affected with meningitis overcome and those around them understand the journey ahead. We promote prevention and safety measure in at risk communities and help explain the short term, long term effects and recovery treatments of meningitis to the media and public at large. Meningitis is a dangerous & often times fatal infection that can lead to serious life-long physical problems and even death. Every life is worth vaccinating. We are here to provide emotional support to those who need it; please feel free to reach out to us at http://www.musa.org.
Caroline L. Petrie
National Secretary
Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
World Meningitis Day 24 April
Be Proactive & Educate~Vaccinate~Eradicate