WSU issues call for meningitis shots

Two related meningitis cases have been reported at WSU this fall, prompting university health officials to call for all students to get a vaccination.

The recommendation came after the hospitalization in early December of a 19-year-old male diagnosed with meningitis. This most recent case of the illness was preceded earlier in the fall by a case of meningococcal pneumonia of the same strain.

“What connected these two cases was that the meningococcus serotype identified in the pneumonia case was subsequently identified as the same serotype involved in the more recent meningitis case,” said Dr. Bruce Wright, executive director of WSU Health and Wellness Services.

A vaccination against the illness can be effective for up to two years. Officials are recommending booster shots for those who received the vaccination more than two years ago.

Symptoms of meningitis include severe headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, lethargy and high fever. It is typically spread through saliva, commonly spreading between housemates or family members. It is also spread through sexual contact.

The vaccine is available to WSU students through their individual private health care providers, the public health department or through WSU Health and Wellness Services.