Ohio Meningitis Outbreak (and How to Avoid Infection)

High school students in Columbiana County, Ohio, got a crash course in infectious diseases this month. Two of their classmates died and a third fell ill from bacterial meningitis. The deaths prompted health officials to order vaccinations for almost 6,000 students and staff.

"We've been very sad and concerned for the other families, which is why I just appreciate that all the kids are getting the vaccine," says a mother, Sari Seidel.

The three teenagers had one of the most potent forms of bacterial meningitis. The strain infects about 150 people in Ohio each year and about 3,000 nationally.

Bacterial meningitis passes from person to person through saliva. It is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. "This is, unfortunately, a very virulent and if not treated properly, a rapidly fatal illness," says Dr. Mark Hostettler at Alliance Community Hospital.

As a precaution, area hospitals also handed out 37,000 doses of preventive antibiotics, a step that calmed many people's fears. "I was a little scared before but now I feel more at ease," says one student.

Our health contributor, Dr. Jordan Metzl, tells us how to spot symptoms of the disease and how to avoid it.

Is it just a coincidence that many of the recent outbreaks we've seen involve teenagers and young adults?

No, because bacterial meningitis is most common among people living in crowded conditions, such as is the case with college students. A recent study found a college freshman's chances of developing meningitis are almost five times higher than the risk for the general population. The disease is spread through coughing or sneezing. Those at greatest risk are smokers.

What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

The most common symptoms in anyone over age 2 are a persistent high fever, headache, stiff neck, and photophobia, a condition where bright light irritates the eyes. They can develop over several hours or can take as long as 2 days. Because these symptoms are hard to spot in babies, a parent should look for sluggishness and irritability.

How is it diagnosed?

A diagnosis is typically made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid that is obtained by performing a spinal tap.

How is bacterial meningitis different from viral meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis like we saw in the Ohio outbreak is very dangerous and is fatal in about 10% of cases. The best way to treat bacterial meningitis is through antibiotics.

Viral meningitis is generally less severe, and the symptoms are basically the same. But there is no specific way to treat it. Some doctors prescribe antibiotics. Others let it run its course.

How effective are the meningitis vaccines, and who should get them?

There is currently a vaccine for the meningococcal type of meningitis. That is the same strain that infected the three students in Ohio. However, there is a big debate over whethe it should be given to all college students. The pros are that it is considered very safe and about 60% effective. However, the vaccine is very expensive, up to a $100 dollars, and there are other strains of the disease it does not cover. Bottom line, all incoming college freshmen should talk about getting the vaccine with their doctors. Overseas travelers may also want to consider getting the vaccine, especially if there has been a recent outbreak in the country they are visiting.
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