Notes on Meningitis Outbreak at Princeton University

Our pediatrician called the other day to give advice on whether our daughter should get vaccinated for Class B Meningitis at Princeton University. The answer was an emphatic yes. Turned out the pediatrician's son was one of those who contracted the disease this year. It's a serious disease, with a ten percent mortality rate even when treated. It can take weeks or months to recover.

Also from our pediatrician: The vaccination is given in two doses, with one given Dec. 9-12 and the other in February, 2014. There are fewer cases of Class B meningitis in the U.S. (200/year) than elsewhere in the world, which is one reason why the vaccine has been approved in Europe but not yet here. The vaccine has been well tested abroad and is truly not experimental.

An interview on the radio program Here and Now answers many questions relevant for Princeton. The University of California in Santa Barbara has also had an outbreak, with four students getting sick, one of whom had to have both feet amputated. The doctor interviewed said that the campus outbreaks are related to the crowded conditions typical to any campus, and that there is little threat that students will spread the disease outside of the campus environment.

An email from the university to parents of students provides a similar take, saying there are no travel restrictions recommended for students, and that the surrounding community can continue to attend events on campus. Below are some excerpts:

The CDC and state health officials recommend that classes and activities at Princeton University continue as planned, and the surrounding community can continue to attend events on the campus. They do not recommend any travel restrictions for members of the University community. The bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been, and there is no evidence to suggest a risk of spreading the bacteria by touching surfaces. 

Students, including those who get the vaccine, and other members of the University community should continue to pay increased attention to personal hygienic practices and remember these important points about meningitis:

• Any student with a high fever should go to University Health Services in McCosh Health Center or call (609) 258-3141 during business hours or (609) 258-3139 after hours.
• You may become ill with meningitis even if you have not been in contact with someone who is sick.
• You can help prevent the spread of disease by increasing hygienic practices, and not sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, smoking materials and other items.

For frequently asked questions about the University vaccine clinics, including specific questions for students, faculty, staff and community members, please visit: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/emergency/meningitis.html.

For frequently asked questions about the vaccine and bacterial meningitis, please visit the CDC's meningitis information website: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/vaccine-serogroupB.html#serogroup.