It is estimated that 100-125 cases of meningitis occur annually on college campuses. The majority of these cases could be prevented by a vaccination that is available for a fee in the Loras Health Center.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection.
The disease is expressed as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord or meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the blood. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year. Meningitis is one of the most common manifestations of the disease, although it has been known to cause septic arthritis, pneumonia, brain inflammation and other syndromes. Meningococcal disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100-125 cases of meningococcal occur annually on college campuses and five to fifteen students die each year as a result.