If I were to be working in a school or a college one of the challenges I would have to face is meningitis. It’s a pretty scary disease because it has a quick onset that can rapidly progress from mild illness to shock.  Two years ago a junior at St. Lawrence University caught bacterial meningitis and was treated successfully.

 As in this article and as a medical care provider in this situation, precautionary measures would have to set and prophylactic antibiotic given to those that need them. An email was sent out to surrounding colleges alerting the students about the incident and to get vaccinated if they haven’t been. State law says that its up to the student whether to be vaccinated or not, not that its mandatory. The vaccine is 90% effective and protects against only 4 strains.

Meningitis is a preventable condition that can be avoided with this vaccine and its highly recommended that everyone receive the vaccine. Meningitis is common to places where there is communal living, which is more likely with freshmen and sophomores.

           

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110215/NEWS05/302159988