2013 Princeton outbreak
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The Princeton outbreak of 2013 was an outbreak of meningitis B at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. The third case, confirmed on 6 May 2013, led the New Jersey Department of Health to declare the incident as an "official cluster" to Princeton administrators. A key lesson was the importance of explaining science clearly.[1][2][3]
| 2013 Princeton outbreak | |
|---|---|
| Disease | Meningitis |
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey |
| First outbreak | 2013 |
Background
Meningococcal disease type B is uncommon but potentially life-threatening, and spreads easily in close-contact settings such as universities, through activities including sharing drinks, coughing, or kissing.[1] In 2012 there were only 160 cases of Meningococcal disease type B nationwide, yet three cases were identified at Princeton University between March and May 2013, raising concerns for students, staff, and the wider community and requiring a coordinated response.[1] In 2018, Spitzer identified five key elements of effective science communication: building interdisciplinary teams, using storytelling, making information relatable to everyday life, involving trusted experts and community members, and establishing trust between communicators and their audience.[1]
Outbreak
The first case of Meningococcal disease type B at Princeton University was reported on 25 March 2013, involving a student who had recently returned from a break.[1][4]
The outbreak was officially announced as ended on 13 March 2015.[4]
Since 2013, the US licensed two meningitis B vaccines; two doses of Bexsero and three doses of Trumemba.[2] The university recommends all students who live in student residences receive a meningococcal B vaccine in addition to the meningitis ACWY vaccine.[2]
