Meningitis is a growing threat on college campuses around the world, but is preventable with a simple vaccination, according to health experts. However, some students are not aware of the disease's dangers or how to avoid it.
"I have no idea if I've been vaccinated" for meningitis, said Andrew Labahn, a sophomore in the College of Business Administration.
Labahn is not alone; other students questioned did not know if they had received a meningitis vaccination, and most of them did not know what meningitis is.
"I know it's something bad, and I think you may actually be able to die from it, but I'm not sure exactly what it does," said Mia Supanich-Winter, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and brain caused by either bacteria or certain viruses, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Web site.
Viral meningitis, the most common form of the illness, can cause fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. Meningococcal meningitis, usually caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitides, has many of the same symptoms as viral meningitis, but is more rare and can be life threatening, sometimes resulting in deafness and brain damage, according to the Web site.
Meningococcal meningitis can be spread by coughing, sneezing or kissing, according to Ryan Pike, development director of the Meningitis Foundation of America. He said sharing bathrooms, cigarettes and lip gloss are ways to transmit meningococcal meningitis. The actions are dangerous because the transfer of meningitis is dependent on saliva as a carrier.
"It is true that meningococcal meningitis is common with college students because they are living the carefree lifestyle," Pike said.
Another reason cited is the close quarters students live in.
"Students should be concerned (about meningitis) and should be immunized because they are living in confined areas at Marquette and communicable diseases are easily spread," said Dr. Judith Miller, associate dean for graduate programs and research in the College of Nursing.
Smoking and binge drinking also put a person at risk for the disease, according to Student Health Service.
"In order to prevent meningitis as well as other more common infections…it is important not to share utensils, straws or drinks," said Carmi Zager, a registered nurse at Student Health Service, in an e-mail.
Although Zager said Marquette has not had any recent cases of meningococcal meningitis, it is estimated between 100 and 125 college students contract the disease each year and between five and 15 will die from it, according to the American College Health Association Web site.
Aside from the vaccination, there are no other known preventions for meningococcal meningitis.
James Turner, executive director of student health at the University of Virginia and chair of the vaccine-preventable disease committee for the American College Health Association, said the vaccine is between 85 and 95 percent effective in protecting older children and adults against four of the five strands of meningococcal meningitis. Scientists have not had success finding a vaccine for the B strand, which accounts for 25 percent of meningococcal meningitis cases among college students, Turner said.
"Whatever a student can do to lead a healthy lifestyle" will help, he said. "But ultimately, the vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease."
Pike said the vaccine lasts three to five years, which is why incoming college freshman are recommended to get vaccinated.
The vaccine can be received as many times a person desires, but it may not be as effective the second time, he said.
Marquette strongly encourages vaccination, according to SHS.
By law, Marquette must provide incoming students with information about the disease and vaccination, but cannot force students to obtain vaccination, Zager said.