A Marshall University student who became ill over the weekend has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, the school announced Tuesday night.
University health officials are working under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and are consulting with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department to help ensure the safety of the Marshall community, spokesman Dave Wellman said in a news release. The student has been hospitalized since Monday.
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Although bacterial meningitis is contagious, it is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where an infected individual has been, according to the CDC. The disease is usually transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory secretions such as when coughing, sharing drinks, kissing or being in close proximity to someone affected for an extended period of time.
A course of antibiotics is normally recommended for those who have had such contact with an individual with a confirmed diagnosis. Antibiotics are not recommended for casual classroom contact.
People who may have been in sustained, close contact with the Marshall student are being identified, screened and advised if they should begin a dosage of preventative antibiotics, according to the news release.
Bacterial meningitis is treatable but requires medical attention. The CDC says symptoms typically develop within three to seven days after exposure and include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, sleepiness, increased sensitivity to light and altered mental state.
Amy Saunders of Marshall's Student Health Education Program said the risk of contracting meningitis is low and additional cases are unlikely. She added that the risk is even lower for people who have received the vaccination, which is recommended, but not required, for students.
School health department officials will be available from noon to 3 p.m. today to answer questions from students, faculty and staff in the Counseling Center on the first floor of Pritchard Hall.
Students with questions or concerns can also contact Student Health Services. Information about the hours and location of Student Health is available at www.marshall.edu/studenthealth.