Friday, October 26, 2001

Prevention
Students are never invincible

University of North Texas sophomore Lydia Evans was taken to the hospital after a party on Sept. 22. A mere 30 days since being diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, Evans lost both her legs and part of her fingers to the disease.

Although there have no cases of meningococcal or bacterial meningitis reported at TCU, people should not wait for an outbreak, rather they must be proactive and get a vaccination.

Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, but may be prevented by getting a vaccine. If caught early, it is treatable with antibiotics.

The disease may be spread through common habits such as sharing a drink or cigarette, and kissing. Meningococcal meningitis can easily go undetected because its symptoms closely resemble those of the flu, but if left untreated the disease can rapidly progress to shock and death.

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, headaches, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion and sleepiness. Sleepiness and confusion, common complaints of college students, should not be mistaken for the symptoms of meningitis. The slightest onset of fever, headache or stiff neck need not incite panic among students, but they should realize that they are not impervious to this disease.

According to the American College Health Association Web site, approximately 300 Americans die from meningococcal meningitis each year and 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal occur annually on college campuses, resulting in five to 15 student deaths.

UNT is only about 30 minutes away and Evans’ case shows the disease can strike college campuses in North Texas.

TCU sends letters encouraging incoming students to be vaccinated before entering the university, but all students should be vaccinated. If one person in infected, the entire campus can be vulnerable to exposure. Parents of incoming students should not be the only ones receiving information about the possible dangers of meningococcal meningitis.

Approximately 900 UNT students received meningitis vaccinations last week for $90 each. TCU students can be immunized for $75. A short wait at the Health Center and $75 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.