-Caveat Lector- U.S. panel urges college meningitis shots By Mike Cooper ATLANTA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - A federal advisory panel on Wednesday urged college and university freshmen to consider getting vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, a rare infection that can kill a healthy person within hours. The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices urged colleges and health professionals to tell incoming students about the vaccine, which is effective against most strains of meningococcal meningitis that circulate in the United States. ``We have a safe and efficacious vaccine,'' Dr. David Fleming of the Oregon Health Division told the panel. The vaccine, developed by the U.S. military, has reduced the incidence of meningitis among recruits by 90 percent since it was introduced in 1971. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) said earlier this year that college freshmen living in dormitories were six times more likely than other college students to become infected. Health officials believe they are susceptible because they live in close proximity with many other people and may be exposed to bacteria they have not previously encountered. Additionally, some engage in behaviour that can compromise their immune systems, such as binge drinking, smoking or getting too little sleep. ``Individuals who provide care to freshmen, particularly those who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, should provide information about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination to those students and their parents,'' the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices said. ``Immunization should be provided or made easily available to those freshmen who wish to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease,'' the panel said in the statement it unanimously adopted. More than 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year. The illness is fatal in 10 to 15 percent of cases. Initial symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion and sleepiness. The illness can cause death within 24 to 48 hours, the CDC said. The bacteria, which infect the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain, are usually spread through respiratory and throat secretions, such as by coughing or kissing, health experts said. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
