Student AffairsMeningococcal disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis or an infection of the blood stream.
All meningococcal infections are considered medical emergencies and those with a suspected case of meningitis should go to a local emergency room immediately. Symptoms may initially resemble the flu then progress rapidly. If not treated properly, this infection can have serious consequences.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden fever
- Intense headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Purplish skin rash
is encouraging all students to get aMeningococcal B vaccine. This is not a publicly funded vaccine therefore it is not part of the childhood vaccine series. Visit a healthcare provider or book an appointment and ask for a prescription to get this vaccine. Supplementary insurance plans, like and health and dental plan, likely cover most of the cost of this vaccine.
Students at high risk, due to underlying health conditions, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. High risk conditions include those with one or more of the following:
- Acquired complement deficiencies (e.g., receiving eculizumab)
- Asplenia (functional or anatomic)
- Cochlear implant recipients (pre/post implant)
- Complement, properdin, factor D, or primary antibody deficiencies
- HIV
Learn more about .This virus is primarily spread through saliva so try to avoid sharing things like water bottles, drinks, food, utensils, vapes, joints, etc.