There have been no recent cases of meningococcal meningitis reported at Winthrop. However, the university s health services officials became increasingly concerned about the incidences of the disease from articles published in the American College Health Association Magazine. An earlier clinic on March 29 resulted in 264 students receiving the vaccine. Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that starts quickly and affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiff neck and nausea. It can be fatal in 10 percent of the cases.
Infection is spread through direct contact or airborne droplets through coughing and sneezing.
It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of the meningococcal disease occur annually on college campuses and five to 15 students die as a result. Return to Winthrop University Home Page.