Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially fatal infection that most often causes severe swelling of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or a serious blood infection (meningococcemia). The best defense is getting vaccinated.
How the disease spreads
The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) during close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact with an infected person.
Other factors that increase risk:
- first-year college students living in residence halls
- college students age 25 and under living in group settings (such as fraternities and sororities)
- military recruits
- those who lack a spleen or have certain immune disorders.
Symptoms
Contact your health care provider or go to the emergency room for sudden severe symptoms.
- Fever and/or shaking chills
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Severe aches and pains
- Rash
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness
- Confusion
Vaccinations
Student Health Services has vaccinations to cover all serotypes (strains) of meningococcus. The mandated meningococcal vaccine required at Oregon State University protects against groups A, C, W and Y. This vaccine does not cover against group B, the strain that has infected three OSU students since fall term 2016. The MenB vaccine is available at Student Health Services.
Students currently enrolled may come to Student Health Services to receive a vaccine. Students should check with their insurance company to see if the cost will be covered. The charges can also be billed to students’ accounts.
