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September 28, 2018
Health officials in San Diego County declared an epidemic of meningococcal meningitis Friday after another student was hospitalized for the disease this week.
University officials confirmed the case in an email to students and staff on Friday morning, making it the second since the beginning of the month. A student attending sorority demonstrations contracted the illness on the weekend of September 1st.
County health officials also revealed that a third student, who lived off campus and did not attend classes at the time, had contracted meningitis in June. The case was not announced because health officials did not believe the case was a threat to public health.
Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County Public Health Assistant, said that none of the three cases were linked and that the three students had no prior known contacts.
Thihalolipavan urged students at a press conference held at the university on Friday morning to be vaccinated with one of two meningococcal B vaccines available, adding that it was not necessary for graduate students, staff or anyone over 24 years old.
"It's not that we have to be alarmed, but we have to act and we need to be vaccinated," Thihalolipavan said.
AAccording to a California State University decree, all new students living on campus will need to be informed of the availability of the vaccine, but will not be required to receive it.
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Dooley told the news conference that the university will partner with the San Diego County Public Health Department to organize a free immunization session for students who are not have vaccinated on campus.
"We encourage students to get vaccinated and we will also educate students about healthy habits that are relevant for meningitis, but also colds and flu," said Dooley.
Typical symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy.
She added that the disease can progress in as little as 12 hours, making "rapid diagnosis and treatment" critical.
"We understand how scary it is for students and their parents to hear the word" epidemic, "Cornelius said at the press conference. "An epidemic in this case is three students and this is not the time to be alarmed, it's time to understand what you can do to protect yourself."
Health authorities at universities and counties said they would continue to monitor the epidemic, encouraging students who show signs of the disease to seek immediate medical treatment.
"We understand that it is a scary thing, but we will do everything to communicate, educate and help our community," Cornelius said.
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