Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis
The 77th Texas Legislature (2001) recently required all public institutions
of higher education in Texas to notify all new students about bacterial meningitis,
starting January 1, 2002 (Chapter 51, Education Code, Section 51.9191; Chapter
38, Education Code, Section 38.0025.
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.
- High fever
- Rash or purple patches on skin
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion and sleepiness
- Lethargy
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- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- 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.
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| 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.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
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| 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.
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| 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.
- Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group
home).
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| WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE? |
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- Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
- Permanent brain damage
- Kidney failure
- Learning disability
- Hearing loss, blindness
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- Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
- Gangrene
- Coma
- Convulsions
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| 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.
- Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
- Those living in close quarters
- College students 25 years old or younger
- 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).
- Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting
3-5 years.
- The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
- Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor
pain at injection site for up to two days.
- Contact the University Health Center at 936.294.1849
for details about vaccination.
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| HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? |
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