UC Santa Barbara reports two cases of meningococcal meningitis
The Santa Barbara County Health Department and the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) issued health advisories this week concerning two confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis in two UCSB students.
Neisseria meningitidis
Image/CDC
The University says while this does not qualify as an outbreak, they advise all students, faculty and staff to be aware that sudden symptoms of very high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, unusual rash, with vomiting should prompt you to seek urgent medical attention.
The University and local Public Health officials are investigating the cases, providing preventive antibiotics to contacts where indicated, and educating the University community about meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis, which causes the most severe form of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can also be found in the bloodstream. This particular type of meningitis is very severe and can result in death if not treated promptly. Even in cases where treatment has been given, the fatality rate is around 15%.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis are sudden, with fever, stiff neck, body aches and headaches. As the disease progresses other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia and seizures. A petechial rash seen on the trunk and lower extremities, bleeding complications, multi-organ failures and shock are usually final signs. This disease has the ability to kill within hours of getting it.
Up to 10-20% of older children and young adults carry this organism in the mouth and nose, though the carriage rate will vary with age and closeness of population. The majority of people that carry this bacterium have no clinical disease. The organism is spread person to person through respiratory secretions from the nose and mouth (coughing, sneezing and kissing). Experts are unsure why some people advance to meningitis disease while many do not.
Crowded living conditions facilitate the spread of the organisms and places like military barracks and college dormitories are well documented areas of concern with this disease.
UCSB advises any student with a high fever should go to Student Health or call (805) 893-7129 during business hours.
Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating disease with epidemic potential. This disease is considered a medical emergency and if you have the classic symptoms see your health care professional. It can be treated with antibiotics, but without delay.
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