Rutgers Student has Meningitis, School Says

New Brunswick, NJ - A Rutgers University has been diagnosed with meningitis, a serious illness that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and can become deadly.

The student was hospitalized on Friday, March 18, the same day the New Jersey Department of Health was notified. Rutgers announced the news in a university-wide health alert to all students and staff.

The student is currently receiving treatment and is recovering, Rutgers said.

The bacteria that causes meningitis can spread from person to person, via saliva, coughs and sneezes. Because meningitis spreads easily among those in close quarters with others, such as living in the same house, sharing cigarettes, drinks, eating utensils or food and kissing, health officials often monitor the illness very closely when it strikes college and high school campuses.

Rutgers, along with state Dept. of Health officials are working to identify those who came in close contact with the ill student, so they can administer preventative antibiotics. However, as of now, there is no recommendation to cancel any activities or scheduled events on campus.

Special testing is being requested to determine the specific type of bacteria that is causing the student's illness, Rutgers health officials said.

What is meningitis?

Meningococcal (muh-nin-jo-cok-ul) disease is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The disease may result in inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis) and/or a serious blood infection (meningococcal septicemia). Meningococcal disease can become deadly in 48 hours or less. Even with treatment, 10-15% of people die. Others have long-term complications such as brain damage, learning problems, skin scarring, hearing loss, and loss of arms and/or legs.

What are common symptoms of meningococcal disease?

Confusion

Fatigue (feeling very tired)

Fever and chills

In later stages, a dark purple rash

Nausea and vomiting

Rapid breathing

Sensitivity to light

Severe headache

Stiff neck

Rutgers says: Contact Rutgers Health Services immediately if you experience symptoms, since early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

How does meningitis spread?

The bacteria are spread from person-to-person through the exchange of saliva (spit), coughs, and sneezes. You must be in direct (close) or lengthy contact with an infected person’s secretions to be exposed. Examples of close contact include: Kissing, Living in the same house, Sharing cigarettes, drinks, eating utensils or food, Sleeping in the same residence (sleep overs).

Although anyone can get meningococcal disease, adolescents and college students who live in dormitories are at an increased risk. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are less infectious than the viruses that cause the common cold or flu, however.

How can I avoid getting or spreading meningitis?

Practice healthy habits such as washing your hands frequently, and covering coughs and sneezes. Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinks, cigarettes with others. Speak with your health care provider to make sure you are up-to-date with age-appropriate vaccinations including vaccines to protect against meningococcal disease.