By Marrissa Ballard | Staff Writer
A cold or case of the flu is usually a staple in a tired college kid’s winter, but cases of bacterial meningitis have everyone on high alert.
Information about the infection came out quickly after two cases were discovered at Providence College. The RI Department of Health defined this as an “outbreak” because two people had contracted the infection.
An email on February 10th alerted Salve students about the cases of meningitis at PC. Cathy Voltas, director of the Health Services department, was behind the email and much of the information about the cases.
“The biggest concern was that these two students had not had contact with each other,” Voltas stated. Because two separate cases had been diagnosed, Providence College offered immunization to its staff, faculty, and students.
Another concern about the infection was that Providence College is surrounded by other colleges, such as Rhode Island College, Brown University, and the Rhode Island School of Design. Providence itself holds an estimated 30,000 students in close contact, according to Voltas.
This particular strain of meningitis, serotype B, was also troubling because it was not covered by previous meningitis vaccinations.
Serotype B meningitis is more common in Europe, though traveling has probably brought it to the States. According to Voltas, around “10% of the population,” in or coming from Europe will have this meningitis strain colonized in the back of their nose. Voltas theorizes that the two affected students came into contact with a colonized individual, and were vulnerable because their previous vaccinations did not protect them from this particular strain.
However, there are two vaccinations available, though they are fairly new. One vaccine received FDA approval in October of 2014, the other received approval last month in January. The vaccines are also expensive.
One of the vaccines is received in two doses, the other is received in three. Voltas explained that while the doses are different, the vaccinations are essentially the same.
The only issue with the vaccine, according to Voltas, is that there is a “lead up time” before the individual is actually protected from the infection. “This particular vaccine has a lead up time of 10 weeks,” Voltas said. “So the PC students will not have immunity for 10 weeks, and that’s pretty much the end of the semester.”
According to Voltas, the purpose of the email was to let students know that Health Services was aware of the cases at PC.
Voltas also wanted students to know the symptoms of the infection, as well as how to avoid it. These symptoms include vomiting, headache, rash, high fever, neck pain, light sensitivity, and an altered mental state. The infection can set in within hours or days.
“It can look like the flu,” Voltas stated. But there are ways to tell the difference between the flu and meningitis.
For example, the particular neck pain associated with the infection is called “nuchal rigidity” and has to do with the inflammation of the spine and neck. If you are experiencing neck pain that prevents you from touching your chin to your chest, this could indicate the existence of an infection.
Meningitis is only spread through direct contact, such as sharing drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes. It is not airborne and cannot be spread through talking or simple interaction.
The best way to avoid the infection or any sort of illness is to wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds each time. “You’re supposed to sing the ‘ABC’s and get both sides of your hands,” Voltas said.
Voltas also emphasized that students should avoid sharing things like toothbrushes or drinks. If students are coughing or sneezing, they should make sure to cover their mouths. Hookah bars could also be a concern because costumers use mouth pieces and sanitation could be an issue.
“If the Department of Health said that I should be purchasing the vaccine, I would go out and purchase it,” Voltas said. At this time the Department of Health has not recommended the purchase of the vaccines or immunizations for any other campuses, according to Voltas.
Voltas stated that no one outside of Providence College is at risk for contracting the disease. There have not been any other cases and the two affected students from PC are recovering.
“Early treatment is important,” Voltas stated. If students are paranoid or worried about their symptoms, Health Services can provide evaluations. Health Services also has Saturday hours from 10 am to 2 pm for students with busy weekdays. Students can also contact their Resident Advisors, Area Coordinators, and Safety and Security.
More information is available online at https://www.salve.edu/meningitis-information or through Health Services.
