Two Pittsburg State University students have been diagnosed with meningitis causing the University to increase awareness about the deadly disease.

Although no Missouri Southern students have been diagnosed with the disease, University health officials are still concerned.

Missouri Southern has recently become acquainted with the meningitis vaccination and has given about 70 vaccinations shots for the 2003-2004 school year.

Meningitis affects the brain and spinal cord.

It also comes in a form that can cause permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability and problems with other major organs.

Jan Dipley, health services coordinator, said the shots are painless and have little to no side effects like other shots. The cost of the shot is $60 and is administered in Kuhn Hall.

“I highly recommend that students receive the vaccination to prevent the disease,” Dipley said.

The shots are offered at Fresh Start/Freshman Orientation for the incoming students, she said.

“I speak with the new students’ parents about the importance of the vaccination and how important it is that their child has the shot administered,” she said.

PSU has had two students diagnosed with meningitis, and they were also treated. The vaccination is available at PSU, and 300 students took part in the vaccination.

Rita Girth, assistant director of student health services, said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment contacted and notified her of the two students that had been diagnosed with the disease. The students were diagnosed and treated in their hometowns.

“Students that are aware of the diagnosed students have stayed very calm,” Girth said. “They (students) have been bombarded with the information.”

As part of the promotion for meningitis education and vaccination, 120 shots have been given at PSU on top of the 300 shots.

Girth said she has also contacted the students that reside in the same hall as the diagnosed students, and antibiotics have been called in for them.

Girth said meningitis is a devastating disease when it occurs.

“One minute you can be healthy and then 24 hours later you may become very ill,” she said.

Dipley and Girth say it is crucial the shot is administered to all students.