Officials Confirm Campus Meningitis Case

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State University officials confirmed a case of bacterial meningitis on campus Tuesday.

NBC 4's Tom Brockman GOT ANSWERS Tuesday.

University officials confirmed a female student contracted bacterial meningitis.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

She was being treated at the Ohio State University Medical Center, according to Ruth Gerstner with the Office of Student Life.

The student's illness came to the university's attention at 9 a.m. Monday.

The student was living in Paterson Hall, and it was unknown how she contracted the potentially deadly disease.

She reportedly had been ill since Saturday.

Several students who live at Paterson told NBC 4 letters were slipped under the door. The letters said a student in their dorm contracted bacterial meningitis.

Letters and information on meningitis were distributed to fellow residents at Paterson Hall, Gerstner said.

OSU freshman Lisa Narum said at she didn't think much of the letter at first.

"I picked up the paper. I was like, oh whatever, then I was reading it, and I was like, this is like a big deal," she said.

"The fact that somebody here has meningitis -- that's really scary because that's really serious, and I probably wouldn't know the difference if I just had flu symptoms or meningitis," student Catherine Eitel said.

The university said the student hadn't been to any classes so it didn't need to notify her classmates. Those who were known to be in close contact to her received antibiotics.

"It is a bacteria that does not easily live off of the human body, so it's not necessary to do any disinfecting. If people have close contact with oral secretions from the patient then they should receive antibiotic, but if it hits the surface, it's not something that's easily transmissible," OSU Student Health Care Center Director Dr. Mary Lynn Kiacz said.

Officials said no other students have shown the flu-like symptoms of meningitis so far.

Concerned students were encouraged to call OSU Health Services at 614-292-4321.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS FACTS
Columbus Public Health provided these facts on meningococcal or bacterial meningitis.

- Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

- Meningococcal or bacterial meningitis -- which is severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss or death -- is contagious and requires immediate treatment. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves itself without specific treatment.

- Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease. Every year, 3,000 Americans get meningococcal disease, and 10 percent of these patients usually die within 48 hours. Meningitis can also cause hearing loss, brain damage, loss of limbs and psychological complications.

- Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics, usually Ceftriaxone or Cipro.

- Close patient contacts -- such as family members, roommates, athletic team members, health care providers and classroom contacts -- also are given one dose of an antibiotic to help prevent infection.

- Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (coughing, kissing) with someone who is ill or is a carrier of the bacteria. One-third of adults carry the bacteria without symptoms or infection. Meningitis is not spread by casual contact or by breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

- The risk of getting meningitis increases in teens and young adults, ages 15-24, especially among people living in a dorm, crowded situations and having increased social contacts such as kissing, sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, cigarettes and eating utensils.

- High fever, severe headache and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis. These symptoms progress rapidly and can develop over several hours or one to two days. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, rash and seizures. It is important to seek medical care immediately.

- A vaccine is available to help prevent infection. While this vaccine is not required, Columbus Public Health strongly encourages this shot for teens starting at 11 or 12 years old and especially for college students living in a dorm.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE VACCINE
Columbus Public Health and The Ohio State University officials were working together to protect anyone who might have come in contact with an OSU student who has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Expedited efforts to protect potential contacts began after Columbus Public Health received word yesterday from the hospital treating the patient that test results had thus far confirmed the presence of bacterial meningitis.

“This potentially deadly disease can be prevented by getting a vaccine,” Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long said. "Students who have not been vaccinated can contact their medical provider, student health center or local public health department to get a shot. We also encourage parents to make sure their kids are protected before entering their freshmen year.”

“Though we strongly recommend the vaccine as a preventative measure, it's critical to be aware of the symptoms, even if you've had the shot,” said Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, medical director at Columbus Public Health.

Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache and stiff neck for anyone older than age 2. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, a rash, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, patients also may have seizures.

Click here for more information on meningitis.

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