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Office
of News and Information
February 4, 2002 |
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Campus Community
Should be Aware of Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to five-15 deaths among college students every year. "Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious disease,'' said Ida MacDonald, director of the UT Tyler Office of Student Services. "Because bacterial meningitis is transmitted easily in situations where individuals live in close conditions such as a room/suite or dormitory, it is very important to communicate information about this potentially deadly disease to our campus community.'' The disease is transmitted in situations where people exchange saliva or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions. This can occur by kissing or sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc., MacDonald said. Some of the symptoms to watch for are high fever, rash or purple patches on skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea and seizures. The more symptoms, the higher the risk. Bacterial meningitis can progress very quickly. Death has occurred in some cases within 24 hours. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery. "It is important that the symptoms be recognized quickly because someone can go from well to dead in just a few hours,'' said Dr. Dale Lunsford, vice president for student affairs and external relations. Other possible consequences of the disease include permanent brain damage, kidney failure, learning disability, hearing loss, blindness, limb damage, gangrene, coma or convulsions. Vaccinations are effective against four out of five of the most common types of bacterial meningitis that cause much of the disease in the United States. Vaccination protection lasts approximately three to five years. Check with your
health care provider for more information about the disease and
immunization. In Tyler, you may also contact the Texas Department
of Health/Community Health (903)533-5275 or the Smith County Public
Health District/Treatment Clinic (903) 533-7419. Other information
is available at the following Web sites: Informational brochures concerning bacterial meningitis are available in several locations on the UT Tyler campus including Student Services, the Registrar's Office, University Pines clubhouse and the deans' offices. UT Tyler recently completed a new meningitis notification procedure as required by SB 31, a state law that went into effect Jan. 1.
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