HR1074 Summary

• Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually in the United States, with 10-15 percent of infected individuals dying and 11-19 percent of survivors experiencing serious morbidity including limb loss and nervous system damage.

• Young adults between ages 16 and 21 are most commonly impacted by the disease, with recent outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease occurring on college campuses resulting in deaths.

• Three serogroups (B, C, and Y) account for most meningococcal diseases in the United States, with vaccines available to provide protection against all three strains.

• The Oklahoma House of Representatives urges the medical community, educational system, parents, and advocates to work together to increase education and awareness of meningococcal disease among high school and college students.

• The House believes all high school and college-age students and their parents should be informed about meningococcal disease, including its different serogroups, symptoms, risks, and treatment options.