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Meningococcal Disease
While the winter months are the peak season for this disease,
it could occur anytime of year.
Click here for the 8/24/07 news release from Public Health
Click here for the 6/11/07 news release from Public Health
Fact sheet on Meningococcal Disease ~ en Espanol
Close contact is defined as face-to-face contact, within three feet of the individual, for at least four hours during the past week.
Another means of exposure is shared eating or drinking containers or shared cigarettes.
Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as the common cold or other diseases.
Symptoms
Most people exposed to meningococcal disease do not become ill, but those that do may develop a sudden onset of:
- fever over 100 degrees
- severe headache and
- stiff neck,
Anyone experiencing sudden onset of these symptoms should see a healthcare provider immediately.
Prevention
The best way people can avoid becoming ill with this disease, or any other disease, is to wash their hands before eating and drinking,
after using the bathroom, coughing or sneezing. Do not share eating or drinking containers with anyone and eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke.
Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease?
Yes there are two vaccines approved for use in the US, and each has specific guidelines.
It is recommended that youth in the following age groups receive the vaccine:
- Adolescents age 11-12
- Teens entering high school, and
- College freshmen living in dormitories.
If you have already received the vaccine, it is not recommended that you need to have another dose, unless you live in certain parts of the world.
Some insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine, be sure to contact your insurance carrier. The vaccine typically costs just over $100.
Public Health offers the vaccine at low cost for children under the “Vaccines for Children” program. Children ages 2 -18 are eligible if they have no insurance,
are on the Oregon Health Plan or are Native Alaskan or American Indian. Call Public Health at 503-434-7525 or 554-7842 for an appointment.
How common is meningococcal disease?
Ten year average incidence rates are 2 per 100,000 Oregonians (compared to 1 per 100,000 Americans). But, while meningococcal disease is more common in
Oregon than it is in the United States as a whole, it is still a rare disease that has been getting rarer. In 2003, there were 60 cases of meningitis statewide; 20 of which
were in the 20 - 59 age group. In comparison, there were 566 cases of Hepatitis B, 438 Pertussis, 101 Tuberculosis, and 486 Influenza cases.
For more information:
Oregon Department of Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information for College Students
Vaccine Information Sheet ~ en Espanol
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