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Dear Student:
As the college health service director at Long Island University,
I am writing to inform you about meningococcal disease, a potentially
fatal bacterial infection commonly referred as meningitis, and
a new law in New York State. On July 22, 2003, Governor Pataki
signed New York State Public health Law (NYS PHL) #2167 requiring
institutions, including colleges and universities, to distribute
information about meningococcal disease and vaccinations to all
students meeting enrollment criteria, whether they live on or
off campus. This law became effective on August 15, 2003 (prior
to the Fall 2003 semester).
Long Island University is required to maintain a record of the
following for each student:
- A response to receipt of meningococcal disease and vaccine
information signed by the student or student's parent or guardian.
- A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the
past 10 years; OR
- An acknowledgment of meningococcal disease risks and refusal
of meninggococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student
or student's parent or guardian.
Meningitis is rare. However, when strikes, its flu-like symptoms
make diagnosis difficult. If not read early, meningitis can lead
to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column
as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing
loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years
of age (the age of most college students) have more than doubled
since 1991. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year
and claim 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur
on college campuses and as many as 15 students will die from the
disease.
A vaccine is available that protects against four types of the
bacteria that causes meningitis in the United States--- types
A, C, Y and W-135. These types account for nearly two thirds of
meningitis cases among college students.
To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, please feel free
to contact our health services department and / or consult your
physician. You can also find information about the disease at, NEW
YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF health WEBSITE: www.health.state.ny.us,
Website of the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseaseinfo,
ACHA'S website: www.acha.org
I encourage you to carefully review the enclosed materials. Please
complete the Meningoccal Meningitis
Response Form and return it to Long Island University health
and Medical Services at 175 Willoughby Street(entrance on fleet
street) Brooklyn NY 11201.
Diane Green
Director/ UHMS
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