Vaccines are available to prevent Meningococcal Meningitis, a deadly bacterial infection of the tissue layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges).
How do you get it?
Five main groups of bacteria can cause the infection: A, B, C, W-135, and Y. The bacteria are mainly spread by the transmission of oral secretions (e.g., kissing, sharing drinks, silverware, etc.). Once spread, they can travel to the meninges and cause meningitis.
Who is at risk?
Meningococcal, or bacterial meningitis is not common, but 5-10% of the population can carry the bacteria and spread it to others without ever showing symptoms of meningitis.
People living in close quarters such as residence halls have an increased risk of contracting meningitis.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include:
| Fever (sudden onset) | |
| Stiff neck (with pain upon movement) | |
| Headache | |
| Possibly in combination with: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light Confusion |
Symptoms begin to show approximately three to seven days after infection.
What if I think I have meningitis?
During business hours: go directly to the Student Health Center
After business hours:
- On campus: call EST: 314-935-5555
- Off campus, call 911
How is it treated?
Early treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial because Meningococcal meningitis can be fatal. The fatality rate is 10-15% even with appropriate medical care. Without treatment it is as high as 40%.
How can I protect myself?
Vaccines are available to prevent Meningococcal meningitis.
The primary vaccine
| Is required for all undergraduate students. | |
| Guards against those cases of meningitis caused by strains A, C, W-135, and Y | |
| Approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) | |
| Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) | |
| Covered by most insurance companies | |
| Available at the Student Health Center Use the Student Health Portal to make an appointment. |
Second vaccine: Meningitis B
| Now protects against the B strain of bacteria responsible for most university outbreaks | |
| Meningitis B vaccine is not yet recommended by the CDC for widespread use as this infection most often occurs only in specific populations where people reside and interact in close quarters like colleges and universities, the military, etc. CDC states anyone aged 10-25 who may be at increased risk for Meningitis B due to a medical condition, or because they are in one of the specific populations above, can be vaccinated and encourages patients to speak with a health care provider about this vaccine. | |
| Covered by most insurance companies including WashU Student Health Insurance Plan Check with your insurance company regarding coverage | |
| Available at the Student Health Center Use the Student Health Portal to make an appointment |
Don’t assume you’re immune
The primary vaccine has not always been included in the standard vaccinations during childhood
| Meningitis B vaccines are relatively new | |
| There’s a good chance you’ve not had one or both vaccines and you may be susceptible to infection |
Check your immunization records.