By
Alabama Dept. of Health & News 5 Medical Team
.
Published: Mon, August 13, 2007 - 7:48 am
Last Updated: Mon, August 13, 2007 - 1:35 pm
The Alabama Department of Public Health encourages college freshmen who plan to live in dorms to be vaccinated with the meningococcal vaccine. They're are at higher risk for meningitis compared to other people of the same age.Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said, “The vaccine is safe and immunogenic, and therefore can be provided to all other college students who want to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.”
Meningitis is caused by bacteria that infects the bloodstream and the linings of the brain and spinal cord, causing serious illness. Every year in the United States, 1,400 to 2,800 people get meningitis. Ten to 14% of the people die and 11 to 19% of survivors have permanent disabilities, such as mental retardation, hearing loss and loss of limbs.The disease often begins with symptoms that can be mistaken for common illnesses, such as the flu. Meningitis is particularly dangerous because it can progress rapidly and kill within hours.
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