SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CONTACT: Bonnie Jameson, Office of Disease Prevention
605-773-3737

Note: Recent news reports have focused attention on bacterial meningitis and the risk to college students from the disease. The following was developed by the Department of Health to answer commonly asked questions about the disease and vaccination. 

Questions and Answers about Bacterial Meningitis

What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord that is caused by infection with bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that can result in disability or death if not treated promptly. Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting and a rash. 

Is there a vaccine to prevent bacterial meningitis?
A single dose of meningitis vaccine protects against 4 of the 5 serogroups of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Vaccination is highly effective against serogroups C and Y but offers no protection against group B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serogroups C and Y caused about 70% of cases among college students in 1998-1999. The immunization is effective for 3-5 years.

Are college students at greater risk for bacterial meningitis?
Studies by the CDC have found college freshmen who live in dormitories to be at "slightly higher risk" for bacterial meningitis than other individuals their age. The studies found no increased risk for college students at other grade levels.

Is the vaccine recommended for all college students?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that college freshmen living in dormitories consider receiving the vaccination. Other college students wishing to reduce their risk of bacterial meningitis can also choose to be vaccinated.

Where can I get the vaccine?
Check with your student health center to receive the vaccine or a referral to a physician who can provide the vaccine. If not in stock, the vaccine is readily available from the manufacturer. The vaccine is not available through the Department of Health's community health nursing offices and is not paid for by the state. 

Is South Dakota seeing a problem with bacterial meningitis in this age group?
Since 1993, South Dakota has had two cases of bacterial meningitis associated with college students, one in 1993 and one in 1997. Both were serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis that the vaccine provides protection against. In the year 2000, South Dakota reported 6 cases of meningococcal infection scattered across the state, none in the college-age group. In 2001, to date South Dakota has reported 4 cases of invasive meningococcal disease; none were college students.

Where can I find out more about bacterial meningitis and the vaccine?
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 
South Dakota Department of Health 

Questions can also be directed to the Department of Health's Immunization Program at 773-3737.