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3:45 p.m., March 25, 2003--As they prepare for spring break, students may want to get a vaccination for meningitis, an infectious disease that can kill or cause serious complications.
For the past several years, Dr. E.F. Joseph Siebold, director of the Student Health Service, has been actively working to inform UD students and their parents about meningococcal disease and the nationwide push to require vaccinations against this serious illness. Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but serious invasive bacterial infection that causes an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
“Some investigations suggest that the risk of contracting the disease is increased by lifestyle behaviors common for many college students, such as active and passive smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption,” Dr. Siebold said.
“The disease is transmitted through the air via sneezing or coughing and direct contact with persons infected. Because college students live in close quarters, such as residence halls or fraternity houses, they have an increased risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis.”
Outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring but can occur any time school is in session. The Student Health Service provides the vaccine to UD students for $62, which can be paid in cash, by check or with UD-Flex or credit cards at the Student Health Service dispensary in Laurel Hall.
Vaccinations are available by appointment from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Student Health Service at 831-4150.
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