Less than a month after two Ohio University students were diagnosed with the infection, Ohio State University announced that a female student has a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis.
OSU was informed of the student's condition on Monday morning, and she is currently being treated at the OSU Medical Center.
Because it was the first day of Spring Quarter and the student had not attended classes, there is no concern that her classmates were exposed, said Ruth Gerstner, director of communications for OSU Student Affairs.
Meningitis is an infection of spinal fluid and fluid surrounding the brain, which spreads through the exchange of saliva. Symptoms include high fever, headache and a stiff neck.
Although the university has warned all students about her illness and is offering antibiotics to those who may have come in contact with her, little else can be done to prevent the illness, Gerstner said.
While the identity of the student has not been made public, she lived in Paterson Hall, Gerstner said.
OU does not require its students to be vaccinated against meningitis, but state universities began keeping vaccination records for student residents in July 2005.
OU freshmen John O'Brien and Michael Crane, who both contracted bacterial meningitis in February, have recovered. Crane had previously received the meningitis vaccination.
Although the chance of contracting meningitis is always present, there is no immediate concern for OU students, said Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi, adding that students should continue to practice good hygiene by washing hands and not sharing drinks with others.
We certainly wish the OSU student well
Lombardi said.
The state of Ohio reported 113 cases of bacterial meningitis last year, according to records for the Ohio Department of Health.
The vaccine is the best thing people can do to protect themselves said Kristopher Weiss, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health, adding that 17 cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported this year.
People who experience symptoms or have been in contact with someone with meningitis should see their physician right away, Weiss said.
No other OSU students have been diagnosed with meningitis.
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Caitlin Bowling
