When was there a meningitis outbreak?
April 11, 2022 – The CDC has issued a health warning about an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, primarily among gay and bisexual men, including those living with HIV. It can be a “very serious, often deadly” disease, the CDC said.
What caused the meningitis outbreak?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traced the outbreak to fungal contamination in three lots of a medication called methylprednisolone used for epidural steroid injections.
How common is meningitis on college campuses?
The risk for meningitis is especially high for freshmen and those living in dormitories. According to a 2000 CDC study, college freshmen are seven times more likely to get meningitis than other college students.
How do you get meningitis at uni?
Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
Where have there been meningitis outbreaks in the US?
There is an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, including those living with HIV. Leon County, FL, has also reported a cluster of meningococcal disease cases among college and university students.
Why is meningitis spread in dorms?
Meningococcal disease is bacterial and causes bloodstream infections and meningitis. College students, especially those living in residence halls, are prone to contracting the disease because of their close proximity to each other.
What type of meningitis do college students get?
College campuses have reported outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease in recent years. Many states require colleges to provide information on risks of meningococcal disease to incoming students or students residing on campus.
Do you need a meningitis booster for uni?
The meningitis ACWY vaccines offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. Young teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time are advised to have the vaccination.
How can you prevent a meningitis outbreak?
CDC recommends vaccination with a serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine for anyone 10 years or older identified as being at increased risk. CDC recommends a booster shot for those at increased risk due to an outbreak who previously received the vaccine series.
Can you still get meningitis If you’ve been vaccinated?
The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types (strains) of each of these bacteria. For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis.
Is meningitis easy to catch?
Viral meningitis The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Direct or indirect contact with an infected person increases your risk of getting the same virus.
Why are college students more susceptible to meningitis?
What meningitis is common in college students?
Can meningitis cause problems later in life?
Meningitis and septicaemia can cause a range of disabilities and problems that can alter lives. After effects may be temporary or permanent, physical or emotional.