The bacteria (meningococcus) can be transmitted by direct contact with oral secretions, through the air via sneeze or cough droplets of respiratory secretions, or even through speaking closely face to face. Oral contact includes sharing items, such as cigarettes or drinking glasses, or through intimate contact such as kissing.

The early symptoms usually associated with meningococcal meningitis may resemble the flu and include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy. Because the disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to recovery.

You can learn more about meningococcal disease and vaccines by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningococcal and immunization websites:

• CDC: College Outbreaks
• CDC: Meningococcal Vaccination
• County of San Diego Health & Humane Services Agency
• Immunization Action Coalition

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People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close or lengthy contact. Prevention of meningococcal infection includes both specific vaccines and behaviors that help prevent the spread of meningococcus and other infectious illnesses.

The best prevention is vaccination. The two vaccines that are most effective against MenB are Bexsero and Trumenba.

Also, all members of the campus community are encouraged to engage in healthy habits, which lower the risk of acquiring meningococcal meningitis and many other infections. Good health habits include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water.
• Abstaining from smoking and being around smoking.
• Not sharing cups and other utensils; food and beverages; or makeup and lip balm.
• Eating healthy, nutritious foods and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Exercising, managing stress with healthy coping strategies and getting plenty of quality sleep.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or a sleeve (not your hand) when coughing or sneezing.

All San Diego State University undergraduate students ages 23 and younger who have not been fully immunized with the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Fully immunized means having received all doses required for the MenB vaccination, a multi-dose series.  Bexsero is a two-dose series, and Trumenba is a three-dose series during outbreaks. For those who have received only one vaccine dose, it is important to complete the series to improve protection. Immunization is still recommended for all of those ages 23 and younger who received Cipro (ciprofloxacin) due to possible exposure as a close contact in early September.

Students can get the vaccine through their primary care physician, at a local pharmacy or through SDSU Student Health Services at Calpulli Center.

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Q: If I have insurance, how can I access the vaccine?

Q: What do I do if I have Medi-Cal or Medicaid?

Q: What should I do if my insurance is out of state or if I am out of network?

Q: I am uninsured and cannot afford the vaccine. What should I do?

Q: What should I do if I cannot find my immunization card?

Q: What vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal B (MenB) and how are they administered?

Q: What are the potential side effects for the vaccines?

Q: What should I do if I have had one vaccine but not both?

Q: What if I am an SDSU undergraduate aged 23 or younger but do not want to get vaccinated?

Q: Who should avoid these vaccines?

If you have more questions, call Student Health Services at 619-594-4325. As a reminder, Student Health Services offers a nurse advice hotline via 858-225-3105 after 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, and on weekends and SDSU holidays.

You can also call San Diego County Public Health Services' Epidemiology Division at 619-692-8499.