On Thursday, February 25, 2010 the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Athens City-County Health Department (ACCHD) invited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to participate in a collaborative public health investigation of meningitis cases at Ohio University.

Meningitis is an infection in the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis.

Laboratory testing of specimens at ODH and CDC have established these cases were caused by the same strain of bacteria.  The number of cases, timing of cases, and the laboratory findings are all consistent with an outbreak.

Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as illnesses such as the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact.

Each year approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningitis occur on college campuses in the United States each year, according to the American College Health Association. In Ohio, we have about approximately 40 cases of the disease each year.

What can OU students do?

State, local, and federal investigators are working with Ohio University to launch an exploration of risk factors associated with disease.  The investigators will be approaching students to participate in a survey, which will help identify potential risk factors for acquiring the disease.  ODH, CDC, and ACCHD greatly appreciate the students’ cooperation in this investigation, since the information may be used to help prevent future cases.

Students are reminded to remember to practice good health habits, particularly during the busy finals period.  They should get adequate rest, eat properly, and avoid activities that result in sharing saliva.  Also, students who have symptoms should seek treatment immediately.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis can appear quickly, and can include fever, headache, and stiff neck.  It may initially resemble a non-specific flu-like illness, and other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, body aches, rash, or rapid breathing.  If you think you or someone else may have meningococcal disease, see a physician as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early in the course of the disease. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15 percent, although the risk is higher among the elderly.

Meningococcal Vaccine

The strain causing these cases is not covered by currently available meningococcal vaccines.  However, the available vaccines cover two of the three most common disease causing strains and routine vaccination is recommended for certain individuals, including adolescents and first-year college students living in dormitories.  Each year, about two-thirds of the meningococcal cases in Ohio are cased by strains covered by the vaccine.

Resources

CDC- Cause of Meningitis

CDC - Vaccine Information

American College Health Association- Meningitis