Even though no cases of meningitis have been diagnosed at Nicholls, University Health Services has begun an informational campaign to educate students on preventive measures.In the past month, there have been seven reported cases of meningitis or meningitis-related infections in Lafayette, four of which involved current or former University of Louisiana at Lafayette students, the Associated Press reported. The infection killed two of the students and hospitalized the other two. Most recently, a Loyola University student who had been experiencing cold and flu symptoms was found dead Wednesday of meningitis.

“We have been available to take calls from concerned students and parents about meningitis,” Melissa Dyson, University Health Service health educator, said. “We have had some students definitely express concern, and meningitis is a very serious disease so it’s a good thing that they have.”

University Health Services has taken a proactive approach in hopes to prevent students from contracting the disease by making presentations in classes, holding question-and-answer sessions in residential halls and distributing informational flyers. Dyson also collaborated with Diane Garvey, director of residence life, to train residential assistants about the signs of meningitis.

A brochure on the infection will be placed in the orientation packet for parents who accompany their students to orientation, and a meningitis link on the University Health Services Web site exists, as well. Additional information on meningitis and the Menactra vaccine has been E-mailed to the Nicholls community and placed in the University Health Services lobby.

“The best way to prevent contracting meningitis is to consider getting immunized,” Dyson said.

University Health Services charges $85 for the vaccine, which is good for three to five years. The center is awaiting its next shipment of the vaccine, which is set to arrive at the beginning of March. Students can call University Health Services at 493-2600 to be put on a waiting list for the vaccine.

The Office of Public Health also offers the vaccine for college freshmen under 18 years old who live in the residential halls. The cost is on a sliding scale up to $10, Dyson said. The vaccine is safe with only mild side effects, such as redness and minor pain where injected and possible fever, she said. Particularly college freshmen are recommended to get the immunization since the incidents of meningitis are higher for college students in that age group than for those who are not in college. Dyson said this is because many live in close quarters or do not maximize their immune system, such as not getting enough rest.

“The other way to prevent meningitis is to build up your immune system,” Dyson said. “Get an adequate amount of sleep. Don’t share drinks or cigarettes since meningitis is spread through saliva and face-to-face contact.”

Symptoms of meningitis include: high fever, light sensitivity, vomiting, severe headaches, neck stiffness, seizures, a rash or purple patches on the skin and nausea. Dyson said anyone exhibiting more than one symptom should see a physician.

“The more symptoms you present, the higher the risk is that you have meningitis,” Dyson said. “It’s extremely fast. You could be perfectly well then be dead in eight to 24 or 48 hours. If you start feeling bad at any time that’s what University Health Services is for. Early diagnosis and treatment are best case for recovery.