INDIANAPOLIS, June 29 /PR Newswire/ -- College students have a greater chance of learning about deadly meningococcal disease following the June 30, 2000 publication of the new college health vaccination policy in the "Recommendations and Reports" issue of "Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report" (MMWR), published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Publication of this policy for the first time helps advance awareness of meningococcal disease among college students and encourages more students, particularly college freshmen, to consider vaccination," said David Spilker, founder and president the Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA).
"We are pleased CDC has finally published its recommendation regarding college students and the increasing threat of meningococcal disease on campus," said Spilker. "Given the seriousness of this disease among college students, the Meningitis Foundation of America regards the new policy as an important, necessary step towards minimizing the threat of the disease on campuses."
The newly published recommendation, approved by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in October 1999, states that those who provide medical care to college freshmen, particularly those residing in dormitories, should provide information about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination to these students and their parents.
The new policy also states that immunization should be provided or made easily available to these students and other undergraduate students wishing to reduce their risk for the disease.
"Once college students -- and their parents -- are aware that a vaccine is available to help protect against this deadly disease, our hope is that they will consider immunization before heading off to college this fall," said Spilker.
Meningococcal meningitis has occurred more frequently in recent years among teenagers and young adults. Recent data indicate students living in dormitories, particularly freshmen, have a six-fold increased risk for the disease.
The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year. Death occurs in approximately 10 percent of cases-about 300 Americans annually. An estimated 100 to 125 cases occur each year among college students, resulting in 5 to 15 student deaths. The majority of cases in the college age group are preventable with the meningococcal disease vaccine currently available in the U.S.
Meningococcal meningitis, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, can result in hearing loss, kidney failure, amputation of the limbs and permanent brain injury. Antibiotics can be effective, but treatment must begin immediately as the disease progresses very rapidly. Outbreaks usually occur in late winter or early spring -- when college classes are in session.
MFA provides education to the public and medical professionals about meningitis so that its early diagnosis and treatment will save lives. MFA supports the development of vaccines and other means of treating and/or preventing meningitis and provides educational and emotional support to sufferers of meningitis and their families.
SOURCE: Meningitis Foundation of America
CO: Meningitis Foundation of America; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ST: Indiana
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