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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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Vomiting
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Light sensitivity
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Stiff neck
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Nausea
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Lethargy
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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.
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HOW IS
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED? |
- 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? |
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? |
- Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
- Permanent brain damage
- Kidney failure
- Learning disability
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires
amputation
- Gangrene
- Coma
- Convulsions
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CAN
THE DISEASE BE TREATED? |
- 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.
- Vaccination is available at the UTB/TSC Student Health Center for
$60.00.
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HOW
CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? |
Contact your health care provider, the Student Health Center at (956)
544-8951 or (956) 544-3896 or local Texas Department of Health.
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