Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most cases of meningitis are caused by bacteria or viruses. Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most serious forms of bacterial meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans. It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur annually on college campuses. While it is a very
serious illness, proper and timely treatment can be successful.
There are two groups of people who are known to have a higher chance of meningococcal meningitis as a result of direct contact with someone who has it. Those groups are:
- People who live in close contact with a person diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis
- Children in day care centers where there is a case of meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with people who have it. It occurs most often in late winter and early spring. If you are exposed to someone who has meningococcal meningitis, call your primary care provider right away. He or she may advise you take a two-day course of antibiotics to reduce your risk for meningitis.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can be misdiagnosed as something less serious, since they can closely resemble the flu. Symptoms of meningitis may include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Stiffness of the neck
- Nausea and maybe vomiting
- A skin rash that looks like small, purplish red spots
If you think you have symptoms of meningitis, get medical attention right away. A meningococcal meningitis vaccine is available against four types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis in the United States. The vaccine can be given to adults and children over 2 years old. The vaccine is 85 to 100 percent effective. Dean Health Plan covers the meningococcal meningitis vaccine when it is medically necessary and administered by plan providers. If you have more questions about meningococcal meningitis, call your primary care provider or Dean Health Plan Customer Service at 800-279-1301.
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