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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Penn State officials have confirmed a single case of meningococcal meningitis at University Park. The Penn State student has been treated for this infection and is now recovering at the Mount Nittany Medical Center, according to a statement from the university.
University Health Services, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to monitor the case, and close campus student contacts have been reported and statement said.
Meningococcal meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis treated with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and the membranes of the spinal cord.
Bacterial meningitis is spread through close contact with an infected person, including kissing, sharing food and drink, or breathing bacteria that spread by sneezing or coughing. "College students are particularly exposed because of the proximity of their environment," Penn State information said.
According to information provided by Penn State, the symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be severe and include the sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck.
Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion or impairment of mental status
Symptoms appear most often three to seven days after exposure, but may appear from two to ten days after exposure. The symptoms could progress "very quickly".
Most people recover from meningitis, but serious complications, including death, can occur in just a few hours if left untreated.
The University urges students who have symptoms to immediately seek medical attention. Students may consult the 24/7 Nurse University Health Services at 814-863-4463 or contact the nearest emergency care facility.
Image via PennState
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