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Meningococcal meningitis: an emerging infectious disease

Julie A Strunk1, Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli

  • 1James Madison University School of Nursing, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807, USA. strunkja@jmu.edu

Journal of Community Health Nursing
|February 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious, preventable disease affecting young adults. Vaccination is crucial for protecting adolescents and college students from this potentially fatal illness.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially fatal infectious disease impacting individuals aged 15-24.
  • Reported cases have risen in the last decade, contributing to preventable deaths.
  • Adolescents and young adults represent nearly 30% of all US meningitis cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of meningococcal disease in young adults.
  • To emphasize the preventable nature of these cases through vaccination.
  • To underscore the importance of understanding disease processes, surveillance, diagnosis, and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on meningococcal disease incidence in the US.
  • Analysis of case statistics, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
  • Examination of vaccination impact and prevention strategies.

Main Results:

  • Meningococcal disease affects a significant portion of the 15-24 age group.
  • Approximately 100-125 cases occur annually on US college campuses.
  • At least 60% of these campus cases are preventable with vaccination.

Conclusions:

  • Meningococcal meningitis poses a substantial risk to adolescents and young adults.
  • Vaccination is a key preventive measure against meningococcal disease.
  • Further understanding of the disease and promoting vaccination are essential for public health.

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