With the death of MTSU student Jacob Nunley due to an aggressive case of bacterial meningitis, Lipscomb Health Services are on alert to make sure students are protected from this illness.
Just a day after Nunley’s death was announced, the Lipscomb student body received an email regarding meningitis vaccination information, encouraging students to take the vaccine seriously as well as pay attention to symptoms and risk factors of the illness.
Lipscomb’s Nurse Practitioner Bethany Massey said the risk for contracting meningitis is very high in college, especially for freshmen.
“Bacterial meningitis has an increase in incidents between college freshmen,” she said. “Our biggest concern is for the ages 16-21 because the risk factors are high within the age group—from sharing drinks, food and kissing.”
Every day tasks like keeping your hands clean can be important in preventing this serious, and sometimes fatal illness. Massey said the vaccine will decrease the chances of getting meningitis.
“[The vaccine] is the best way to prevent from getting the bacterial form of meningitis,” she said. “Washing your hands is important, but the vaccine is your best protection.”
The vaccine is available in the health center for $120, and local health services around Nashville should carry the vaccine as well. Massey said students should be aware of the symptoms that are related to the illness:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting or nausea
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
- Sensitivity to the light
- No appetite
- Skin rash (in the cases of viral and meningococcal)
For more information regarding the vaccine, visit the Health Center in the lower level of Elam or send an email to healthservices@lipscomb.edu. For more information on meningitis and its different forms, go to http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html#transmission.