Case Of Bacterial Meningitis Confirmed At Penn State

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 the infection and is currently recovering at 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. Close contacts of the student, who resides on campus, have been notified and provided with the appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis," the statement said.

Meningococcal meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis that is treated with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.

Bacterial meningitis is spread through close contact with an infected individual, including kissing, sharing food and beverage, or breathing in bacteria spread by sneezing or coughing. "College students are especially at risk due to close living environments," information from Penn State said.

According to information provided by Penn State, symptoms of bacterial meningitis may be severe and include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck.

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or altered mental status

Symptoms most commonly appear three to seven days after exposure but may show up anywhere from two to 10 days after exposure. Symptoms could progress "very rapidly."

Most people recover from meningitis but serious complications, including death, can occur in as little as a few hours if left untreated.

The University is urging students who experience symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. Students can University Health Services’ 24/7 Advice Nurse at 814-863-4463 or contact their nearest emergency health care facility.

Image via PennState