Rutgers Student Has Bacterial Meningitis, School Confirms

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A case of bacterial meningitis has been confirmed on the the Rutgers New Brunswick campus, the school announced in a mass email sent to all students and staff this week.

A Rutgers student has meningitis and was hospitalized this past Monday, February 4, the school said. The student is receiving treatment and is currently recovering.

Anyone who had close contact with the student has been been notified so they can receive antibiotics as a preventative measure.

"Once diagnosed, meningococcal disease is treatable with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important," Dr. Melodee Lasky, MD and Rutgers' Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health & Wellness, said in the email. "Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease could include high fever, headache, stiff neck and a rash. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. If you feel ill you should seek the care of a medical provider. Let your provider know about the recent case of meningitis on campus."

Without immediate treatment, bacterial meningitis can turn deadly, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, with treatment, most people usually recover.

Meningitis is sometimes called the "kissing disease," as the bacterial germs are spread through close physical contact such as kissing and sharing drinks with someone. Bacterial meningitis is not spread airborne as easily as common cold or flu germs.

"The bacteria that cause this disease are not as contagious as the common cold or flu, and are not spread by casual contact," said Dr. Lasky. "They are generally transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory and throat secretions by close personal contact such as coughing, sharing drinks, kissing and being in close proximity for an extended period of time.”

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