Bacterial Meningitis
Permanent brain damage, amputation, death -- it's that dangerous.

The 77th Texas Legislature (2001) passed a law requiring that all public institutions of higher education in Texas provide all new students information about bacterial meningitis. We are extending the requirement a step further and are providing all Texas Tech students with this important information.

About Bacterial Meningitis

  • Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
  • This disease affects approximately 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 people on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths per year among college students.

Risks and Exposure

  • The organism is spread from person-to-person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions such as coughing and kissing.
  • Sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils and food, may increase your exposure.
  • Resident hall-style living may also play a role as crowded environments facilitate the spread of the infection.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Seek medical attention immediately if one or more of these symptoms appear:
    • High fever
    • Rash or purple patches on skin
    • Light sensitivity
    • Confusion and sleepiness
    • Lethargy
    • Severe headaches
    • Vomiting
    • Stiff neck
    • Nausea
    • Seizures
  • Early diagnosis is important.
  • Your health care provider will use a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests to diagnose the disease.

Treatment and Consequences if Not Treated

  • Antibiotic treatment is effective if exposure and disease is detected early.
  • Possible consequences of the disease:
    • Permanent brain damage
    • Learning disability
    • Gangrene
    • Convulsions
    • Limb damage that may require amputation
    • Kidney failure
    • Hearing loss, blindness
    • Coma
    • Death

Prevention

  • Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the United States.
  • Vaccinations take 14 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
  • The vaccination is very safe. Most common side effects may include redness and minor pain at the injection site for up to two days.
  • The vaccine is available at:
    • TTU Student Health Services (call 806-743-2848 to schedule an appointment) and
    • the TTUHSC Family Practice Clinic (call 806-743-2757 for an appointment).

Information

If you have more questions, contact:
  • Your own health care provider
  • Your local or regional Texas Department of Health. In Lubbock, call 775-2933 or go to 1902 Texas Avenue. TDH provides information only (immunizations are not available at TDH).
  • Texas Tech students: Contact Student Health Services, Texas Tech University, 806-743-2860
  • TTU Health Sciences Center students: Contact the Family Practice Clinic, TTU Health Sciences Center, 806-743-2757
Or visit these Web sites:
Back