by Kelly Serrano
Staff Writer
Living in college dorm rooms can be the most exciting experience of a young adult’s life. Roommates, parties, sororities, fraternities and meningitis?
Yes, meningitis has become an all-too-common part of college dorm life, and should be a common concern amongst all of those living in a dorm.
Meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection that causes swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Of the two, viral meningitis is more common and usually less severe than bacterial.
Bacterial meningitis, also known as meningococcal meningitis, is rare, but can be life threatening. The disease has a higher risk of brain damage, severe amputations and problems with the nervous system. In 10 percent of meningitis cases death can occur within 24 to 48 hours.
Symptoms of meningitis are difficult to recognize because they are similar to the common cold. They include vomiting, nausea, a stiff neck, low fever, fatigue and sensitivity to light.
Everyone is at risk for either type of meningitis, but according to the American Medical Association, those most at risk are those with immune deficiency, people with damaged or removed spleens, children under the age of five, elderly people and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of meningitis cases has almost doubled among young adults ages 15 to 24 from 1991 to 1996.
Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact of oral secretions such as kissing, sneezing, coughing or sharing eating utensils. College students are at greater risk for bacterial meningitis because of the close contact they have in classes, and those that live in the dorms are at even greater risk because of their close living arrangements.
The American College Health Association (ACHA) recognizes that college students are at a greater risk and recommends that students consider a meningitis vaccination to protect themselves from the disease.
According to Maureen Pray at the University of La Verne Health Center, there has never been an outbreak of meningitis on campus. While there is no formal education program on meningitis for incoming students and residents, Julie Thurman Francisco, director of housing and residential life believes there is “an awareness” amongst students.
James Hicks, junior and resident of The Oaks resident hall was not aware of the seriousness of meningitis and believes that “anything can be easily transmitted in such tight quarters.”
Senior Oaks resident Maria Muñoz, does not believe that any of her friends really know what meningitis is.
Isabel Nguyen, senior program assistant in Stu-Han Residential halls had never even heard of the word meningitis before. She asked many students sitting at tables in the Spot if they knew what meningitis is, until one told her the incorrect answer.
“Maybe I should put on a program about this disease in the dorms,” she said. “It sounds very scary, and I think students should be informed about it.”
While meningitis can be life threatening, if it is caught early it can be curable in most cases. Meningitis vaccines can potentially prevent this disease from spreading. Vaccines usually cost from $60 to $65 and can be administered by a physician.
Students can visit the Health Center located on the corner of E and Second streets for meningitis disease and vaccination information or call ext. 4254.
