A UMW student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis

Date published: 11/3/2006

By JIM HALL

A University of Mary Washington student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and other students have been offered preventive antibiotics.

The Rappahannock Area Health District was notified of the illness by a laboratory when the student's blood test was positive for meningococcal disease, said Dr. Donald Stern, health district director.

The infection was located in the student's blood and did not involve the meninges, or the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, Stern said. The student was not hospitalized.

The student lives off campus in the Fredericksburg area, Stern said. Six other UMW students who had close contact with the infected student, including those who live with her, were offered Cipro, a preventive antibiotic, Stern said.

Bacterial meningitis is relatively rare but can be fatal. One case had been reported statewide through August, according to Health Department statistics. That case occurred on the Eastern Shore.

Bernard Chirico, vice president for student affairs at UMW, notified students and staff of the illness in an e-mail sent Tuesday night.

Chirico told the students that the campus health center has ordered extra doses of the meningitis vaccine for any student who wants it.

Virginia law requires full-time college students to be vaccinated against meningitis, or to sign a waiver declining it. College students are said to be at increased risk for the disease.

People infected with meningococcal disease may have the sudden onset of high fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, discomfort with bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. The bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets.

To reach JIM HALL: 540/374-5433
Email: jhall@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 11/3/2006