An Ohio University student is in stable condition at the Ohio State University Medical Center after contracting a probable case of bacterial meningitis.
University officials would not release the name of the student, who is a sophomore living in Bromley Hall on West Green. The student's room and bathroom, as well as the common areas in the dorm, have been disinfected, according to an e-mail sent to Bromley residents.
The student was admitted to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital Sunday and transported to Columbus yesterday, said Jenny Hall-Jones, OU's assistant dean of students.
(Yesterday)
the student was alert and chatting about his classes so he is doing well Hall-Jones said. We did offer the roommates and suitemates the opportunity to go to another room
and they took us up on that. ... If you have been in direct contact with the student you would have been notified.
The students in his class as well as faculty members were notified early yesterday about the possible case of meningitis via e-mail.
This is the second case of bacterial meningitis on campus this year, and the sixth in the past three years. There has also been one case of viral meningitis - a less severe form of the infection - in the past year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness.
Exposure to the bacteria can occur up to seven days before symptoms manifest and the infection progresses rapidly, so students who experience two or more of these symptoms simultaneously are urged to see university health officials immediately.
Students who live in residence halls are encouraged to get vaccinated because they are at an increased risk for contracting meningitis. However, the vaccine does not prevent viral meningitis and only prevents certain types of bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is rare and not as easily transmissible as the cold or flu, but can pass from one person to another through contact with an infected person's saliva. However, meningitis cannot live outside the body for more than a few minutes.
Of the 1,400 to 3,300 cases of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. each year, about 100 to 125 of them occur on college campuses, according to the American College Health Association.
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Pamela Engel
