什么是细菌性脑膜炎?

细菌性脑膜炎 is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. 这种病大约3人发病,每年有1000名美国人, 包括大学校园里的100-125人, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. Those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

细菌有5种主要类型, A,C,Y,W-135和B, 会导致脑膜炎球菌病, 也被称为脑膜炎. There are different vaccines for each group type. There are vaccines that cover the ACYW-135 group, 符合当前州的要求, and there are vaccines for group B meningitis. Although the vaccine that protects against the ACYW-135 strains are currently required, 我们两者都推荐. Please consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits of both vaccinations.

Meningococcal Disease (meningitis) is easily spread by direct contact, or by droplets of respiratory secretions (coughing, 打喷嚏, 接吻, 以及口对口人工呼吸). Meningitis is often lethal because people associate early symptoms with the common flu, 不要就医. However, symptoms can progress rapidly, sometimes leading to death in 24-48 hours. 根据最初的症状, the disease can result in joint infection, 肺炎, 器官系统衰竭, 和休克.

症状是什么?

  • 高烧
  • 严重的头痛
  • 皮肤上出现皮疹或紫色斑块
  • 呕吐
  • 感光性
  • 脖子僵硬
  • 困惑和困倦
  • 恶心想吐
  • 嗜睡
  • 癫痫发作

如何诊断细菌性脑膜炎?

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

这种疾病是如何传播的?

The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by 接吻, 或者共用饮水容器, 餐具, 香烟, 牙刷, 等.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

Behaviors that increase getting 细菌性脑膜炎?

Exposure to saliva by sharing 香烟, water bottles, eating 餐具, food, 接吻, 等. Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

What are the possible consequences of the disease?

  • 死亡(8至24小时内)
  • 永久性脑损伤
  • 肾功能衰竭
  • 学习障碍
  • 听力损失、失明
  • Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
  • 坏疽
  • 昏迷
  • 抽搐

Is there a treatment for 细菌性脑膜炎?

Antibiotic treatment, when received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur. Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:

  • 住在狭小空间里的人
  • College students 25 years old or younger
    • Required in the state of Texas for incoming students, under the age of 22
  • Vaccinations are effective against the most common bacterial types that cause the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
  • Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
  • The cost of the vaccine varies so check with your health care provider.
  • Vaccination is very safe – most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
  • Contact your Student 健康 Center at (713) 313-7173 for vaccination locations.

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