Facts About Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease Among Teenagers and College Students

• Teenagers and college students have an unusually high death rate from the disease; nearly one of every four cases may result in death.
• Lifestyle factors common among teenagers and college students are believed to put them at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. These lifestyle factors include crowded living situations (e.g., dormitories, sleep-away camps), active or passive smoking and irregular sleeping habits.

Immunization Recommendations for Teenagers and College Students

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal immunization for all adolescents 11-18 years of age.

Vaccination to Prevent Meningococcal Disease

• A conjugate vaccine is available for children, adolescents and adults (aged 2 to 55 years) to protect against four of the five strains of bacterium that cause meningococcal disease.
• In persons 15 to 24 years of age, up to 83 percent of cases are caused by potentially vaccine-preventable strains.
• Medical experts anticipate the meningococcal conjugate vaccine may provide longer protection against the disease. The previous meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine provided protection for three to five years.
• Vaccination with the conjugate vaccine is safe. The most commonly reported reactions are pain and redness at the injection site (one to two days), headache, fatigue and malaise.

Transmission and Symptoms of the Disease

• Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through air droplets and/or by direct contact with secretions from infected persons (e.g., through coughing or kissing). The majority of meningococcal disease cases occur in winter and early spring.
• Meningococcal disease is often misdiagnosed, since symptoms are similar to those of common viral illnesses. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, exhaustion and/or a rash.

For More Information

The following Web sites provide more information about meningococcal disease and immunization:

• American Academy of Family Physicians, www.aafp.org
• American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
• Meningitis Foundation of America, www.musa.org
• National Association of School Nurses, www.nasn.org
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, www.nfid.org
• National Meningitis Association, www.nmaus.org

For additional information about meningococcal disease and immunization, contact your school nurse, health care provider or local public health department.