Bacterial meningitis (meningococcal disease) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It occurs most often in late winter and early spring.
Meningococcal disease is not easily transmitted by casual contact. Roommates, close friends, spouses, and children who have intimate contact with the respiratory and throat secretions (i.g. coughing, kissing) of a person diagnosed with meningococcal disease are at risk of contracting the disease.
The early symptoms usually associated with meningococcal disease include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy, which may be mistaken for the flu.
Preventing meningococcal disease requires good hygiene including frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks, eating utensils or cigarettes; and proper disposal of soiled tissues. Covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing is also recommended. Additional information on meningitis can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) at:
Health Services offers Menactra vaccine to students at their request. The cost is *$110.00 (subject to change).
Special groups that should consider voluntary immunization include freshmen living in residence halls, individuals without a spleen, and those who have sickle cell disease or other immune disorders.
For further information, contact the Preventive Medicine Office at (815) 753-9759 or the Health Services appointments and information line at (815) 753-1311.
* Price is subject to change