Student hospitalized with probable case of meningitis

Officials from University Health Services (UHS) report today (May 11) that an on-campus student at the Penn State University Park campus has been hospitalized with a probable case of meningococcal meningitis. Although most students have left the campus for the summer, University Health Services has reached those students who are at most significant risk and offered the appropriate prophylactic medication.

According to information from Penn State University Health Services, meningococcal bacteria usually is not transmitted by routine contact. Only those who have had intimate or direct exposure to a meningococcal meningitis patient within seven days are at risk for contracting the illness. Intimate or direct exposure includes being kissed, sharing eating utensils, or by droplet contamination from nose, throat or any secretions or excretions from the body of the infected individual.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include fever, headache, neck/back stiffness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, mental changes such as confusion, lethargy and fatigue, and a rash. Anyone who is concerned about their own risk should seek medical attention.

Students who will be living in University-owned housing are required by Pennsylvania law to either be immunized against meningococcal disease or complete a waiver of exemption. All Penn State students residing in University-owned housing, including all residence halls and apartments, are required to complete a Meningococcal Vaccination Certification Form and file it with the University Park Assignment Office or with Housing and Food Services at Commonwealth campuses.

Students can get the meningitis vaccine from a primary-care provider, or can contact University Health Services at University Park at (814) 863-0774 to make an appointment.

For more information about bacterial meningitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm or the National Foundation for Infectious Disease Web site at http://www.nfid.org/docs/acipmeningococcal.html online.