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Student Health & Counseling Services
Solberg Hall
(Southwest Door)
33rd & Grange Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD
57197
Tel: 605-274-5552
What is meningococcal meningitis? Meningitis is rare. But when it strikes, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
How is it spread? It is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.
Who is at risk? Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live in dormitories or residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other undergraduates can also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
Can meningitis be prevented? Yes. A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against four of the five most common strains of the disease. The vaccine provides protection for approximately three to five years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals. The meningitis vaccine is available through the Student Health and Counseling office at 5552. If interested, please call or come in an see one of our nurses.
For more information: Visit the web sites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association.