1/24/2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Ingham County health officials have verified that an MSU student was admitted to a local hospital with a diagnosis of meningococcemia late Thursday, Jan. 23, University Physician Beth Alexander said today.
The Ingham County Health Department and the university have notified all people who may have had close personal contact with the ill student for appropriate health care. Information about meningococcal disease continues to be posted on the Olin Health Center Web site at www.olin.msu.edu and is posted on the university's main info site at info.msu.edu. Information also is available through the MSU information hotline at 1-888-MSU-ALERT (1-888-678-2537) or 43A-LERT (432-5378).
Students who have questions or a need for care may call Olin Health Center at 353-5557.
Preliminary studies indicate that the strain of meningoccocus that the student contracted is not a vaccine-preventable strain of the disease. Prevention for those who had close contact with the student is in the form of antibiotics. MSU continues to provide information to students and their families upon entering the university about immunizations and strongly encourages students to be immunized against meningoccocus.
Meningoccocemia is a kind of bacterial infection that affects the blood. It is caused by Nisseria Meningitidis, Alexander said. Meningitis can be caused by the same bacterium, but is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Both diseases can cause grave illness if not treated promptly.
The last confirmed case of meningoccocus at MSU was in January of 2002.
MENINGITIS FACTS
Q: What is meningitis?
A: Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by several different organisms - both bacteria and viruses.
Q: What's the difference between the two?
A: Viral meningitis is more common and typically runs its course without serious aftermath. Most often contracted in late summer and early fall, it may be characterized by abdominal discomfort, chest pain or a rash. In rare instances, it may involve the central nervous system, with possible alteration of consciousness or paralysis. Since it is a viral infection, like the common cold, it does not warrant antibiotic treatment, and those who have come into contact with people who have viral meningitis do not require treatment. Bacterial meningitis is rare and requires antibiotic treatment. It occurs sporadically year-round. One of the most serious forms, meningococcal meningitis, can cause grave illness and may be fatal if untreated. Meningococcemia, a blood-borne illness in which the bacteria affects only the blood and does not spread to the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, also can be deadly if not treated.
Q: How is meningitis contracted?
A: Direct or intimate exposure to the bacteria from another person - sharing eating utensils or toothbrushes, for instance, or being touched or kissed, or in any way coming into contact with a contaminated secretion from that person, can cause the disease. Because the bacteria cannot live for more than a few minutes outside the body, the disease cannot be contracted by routine contact in classrooms, restrooms, dining rooms or other areas where an infected individual has been.
Q: How can I avoid being infected?
A: First, adopt a healthy lifestyle that keeps your immune system strong: a balanced diet, adequate rest and sleep, and exercise all help your immune system fight disease. Avoid sharing utensils and other personal items. Contact your physician if you have had intimate contact with someone who is diagnosed with the disease.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Bacterial meningitis typically is characterized by a fever greater than 101 degrees and a severe, sudden headache accompanied by mental changes such as agitation and confusion, neck and back stiffness or rashes. People who exhibit such symptoms should seek immediate attention from a physician.
Q: Am I protected if I have been vaccinated?
A: Vaccination offers long-term protection against four of the five strains of the bacteria. It is not used for short-term protection. MSU recommends that all college students strongly consider being vaccinated and talk to their health care providers if they have questions. The most recent case of meningoccocal disease at MSU was a strain that the vaccine does not prevent.