About 30-40 cases are reported each year in Connecticut, according to the State Department of Public Health. Meningococcal disease is generally spread by direct, close contact with respiratory droplets. Exposure that can result in infection requires close, personal contact such as living together, sharing utensils, drinks, water bottles, smoking materials, kissing an infected person and being coughed on or sneezed on by an infected person. Casual contact with an individual diagnosed with meningococcal disease, such as in the classroom or library, does not constitute significant cause for concern. Common, early symptoms include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the throat, inflammation of the ear, rash, stiff neck or fatigue.
Meningococcal disease requires early recognition, appropriate tests and antibiotics.
Fairfield University is encouraging any student or employee who develops these symptoms to immediately contact their primary physician or the Fairfield University Health Center and seek medical evaluation immediately. Currently, there is a vaccine that protects against infection caused by four serogroups of meningococcal disease. However, the vaccine is not effective against the serogroup B form of meningococcal disease, the cause of illness in both students. The University will hold a second vaccination clinic for meningococcal disease when students return to school next week. Fairfield University has made available to students and others in the community the full extent of its services, including personnel from Health Services, Counseling, Campus Ministry, the full range of Student Services and the Academic Division.