At St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, Student Health notified the campus community that a student was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis early Wednesday morning. All that was disclosed about the student is that he or she is receiving treatment.
Saint Mary’s College is working with the Saint Joseph County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health to minimize the risk of infection to our community. Preventive antibiotics will be promptly provided to the individuals who have been identified. Additional antibiotics for the campus community will be available Thursday afternoon.
Preventive antibiotic treatment is only recommended for individuals who might have had close contact with the infected student.
In addition, Fresno State officials sent an email to students concerning a student having contracted meningococcal meningitis. Here is the Twitter post:
Meningitis is a medical condition that is caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It often affects children and young adults, although persons of any age can become infected. A small number of people with this infection will have a serious illness.
Meningitis is a communicable disease. It requires direct or extended contact with the saliva, nasal and throat secretions of infected persons. After exposure, symptoms may be seen within 2-10 days.
The most common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eyes being more sensitive to light, altered mental state or confusion.
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