Three Confirmed Meningococcal B Cases Push SDSU Into a County-Declared Outbreak

An additional case of meningococcal meningitis has been confirmed in a San Diego State University student. This is the third case at SDSU in the past several months, and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency has declared this a meningococcal disease outbreak. County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., is recommending that all unimmunized SDSU undergraduate students under the age of 24 get vaccinated with one of two available meningococcal B vaccines. SDSU is working with the County to host vaccination clinics on campus. The first two clinics will be held at Viejas Arena on Friday, October 5, and Monday, October 8. Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria. It can become very severe, very quickly. Anyone who has symptoms — including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, or a rash — should seek medical attention immediately.

Update: A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in an SDSU student. The student is receiving treatment. Close contacts have been notified and offered preventive antibiotics. SDSU and the County of San Diego continue to strongly recommend that all unimmunized undergraduate students under age 24 receive a meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine. Two doses are required for full protection. Vaccinations are available at Student Health Services and through community providers. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can develop rapidly and include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately and tell the provider you may have been exposed to meningococcal disease.