Health Updates
Global health plays a crucial role in your health. We can be affected by health threats and events that transpire across the globe. Keep up to date on illnesses that can affect your health and learn how you can protect yourself.
Meningitis B is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord, in addition to infecting the bloodstream.
Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. It also can present with symptoms similar to the flu and will often cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash and confusion. It is important to obtain prompt medical attention at the onset of any of these symptoms.
Meningitis B can spread from person to person through close contact (coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially among people living in the same household.
There have been recent outbreaks of Meningitis B at Princeton University, Santa Barbara, University of Oregon and Santa Clara.
The Meningitis B vaccine is strongly recommended by ASU Health Services, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The Meningitis B vaccine only became available in 2015 and is distinct from the standard Meningitis vaccine, and both of these vaccinations are important to maintaining optimal health as a student.
All ASU students are encouraged to get the Meningitis B vaccination. If you are a student under the age of 24, or living in the residence halls or participating in groups including sports teams, fraternities and sororities, you are strongly recommended to receive the vaccination at the beginning of the semester.
For more information, click on the links below:
cdc.gov/meningococcal/outbreaks
cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/mening-serogroup.html
Zika virus is a virus that is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness produces mild symptoms that can last for several days to a week long. Prompt medical attention is recommended for those who are pregnant and develop a rash, fever, joint pain, or red eyes within two weeks after traveling to a place where Zika has been reported. It is important to communicate to your healthcare provider places that have recently been traveled. For additional information regarding prevention and treatment, click on the links below.
cdc.gov/zika
who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en
Putting Zika fears in context - an ASU Professor’s video explains the risks
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal.
Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headaches, and fatigue. Some individuals may also have signs of vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu is spread through droplets that are made when individuals cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and thereby transmit the virus. The virus can also be transmitted after touching a surface or object that contains the virus.
ASU Health Services, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) highly recommends obtaining vaccination for the Flu annually.
Additional information on the Flu can be found at the link below