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American College Health Association Now Recommends That College Students Consider Pre-Exposure Vaccination Against Meningococcal Meningitis

Student Health Centers Urged to Alert Students to Danger of the Disease and Provide Campus Vaccination Program

BALTIMORE, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, the American College Health Association (ACHA) is recommending that college students consider vaccination against potentially fatal meningococcal disease. This represents a departure from ACHA's previous policy to recommend the vaccination of students only after a college outbreak has been discovered.

The incidence of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks has risen sharply, ACHA officials say. There have been 36 outbreaks since 1992, compared with only 13 outbreaks occurring between 1981 to 1993. Over one-third of these outbreaks occurred in schools, universities or other organizational-based settings.

``Our new recommendation calls for all college health services to take a more proactive role in alerting students and their parents about the dangers of meningococcal disease,'' said MarJeanne Collins, MD, chair of ACHA's Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Task Force and director of Student Health Services at the University of Pennsylvania. ``ACHA also strongly recommends colleges and universities ensure all students have access to a vaccination program for those who want to be vaccinated against the disease.''

Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease strikes about 2,600 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 13 percent of cases, which translates to more than 300 deaths annually. Vaccination provides protection against serogroups A, C, Y and W-135, the most common strains of the disease. Serotype C has been frequently involved in college outbreaks over the past several years.

Outbreaks tend to occur in relatively isolated, confined environments, such as small communities and institutional settings. The disease is transmitted through the air via sneezing or coughing and direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Because college students often live in close quarters, such as dormitories, they have an increased risk of meningococcal disease.

Investigations of previous college outbreaks also suggest that lifestyle behaviors among college students, such as active and passive smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption, increase the risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Meningitis outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring, but can occur anytime when school is in session.

``All of us who work in college health live with the fear of a phone call reporting meningococcal meningitis or the death of a student who was well just a few hours before,'' said Dr. Collins. ``No one expects young, healthy adults to die from a disease that could have been prevented by a vaccine. As student health administrators, it's our responsibility to provide access to the vaccine for students who want to be vaccinated.''

Students who develop meningococcal meningitis are likely to initially experience symptoms that may include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting or lethargy. The disease progresses rapidly, and students experiencing two or more of these symptoms concurrently are urged to go to their campus health center or emergency room immediately.

The American College Health Association (ACHA), founded in 1920, is a national nonprofit organization serving and representing the interests of professionals and students in health and higher education. Its mission is to be the principal advocate and leadership organization for college and university health. The association provides advocacy, education and services for its members to enhance their ability to improve the health of all students and the campus community.

SOURCE American College Health Association