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Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in older children and young adults in the United States. The disease most commonly is expressed as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a serious infection of the blood. Meningitis strikes about 2,500 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 10 to 15 percent of cases. It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually on college campuses, with 5 to 15 students die as a result. The disease can result in permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, limb amputation, kidney failure and death. The incidence of meningococcal disease has increased since the early 1990's, including cases at U.S. colleges and universities. Data suggests that certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive and active smoking, bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase students' risk for contracting the disease. Recent data also show students living in dormitories, particularly freshmen, have a six-fold increased risk for the disease.
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Meningitis
on Campus