Meningitis update 3/14/2007

No new cases of meningitis have been reported, and the sole student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis remains hospitalized.

A call center on the NAU campus is continuing to answer questions: (928) 523-0007.

Beth Applebee, director of Fronske Health Center, said it is important to keep the campus informed about this single case of meningitis to ensure that accurate information is being distributed, and to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent its spread.

"We are continuing to encourage our students to be aware of the symptoms—high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea and vomiting—and to seek medical attention if there is a concern," she said.

Applebee said that while meningitis is indeed a serious illness, it is also rare. Meningitis strikes about 2,500 Americans each year, with an estimated 100 to 125 cases occurring on college campuses.

Meningitis is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with an infected person's saliva through kissing or sharing of personal items, such as drinking glasses, utensils, smoking materials and possibly through shared food, such as taking a bite out of someone's sandwich.

Only those who would be considered "close contacts" of the student are at risk, i.e. household members and healthcare workers.

The county has conducted a thorough investigation to identify anyone who would be considered a close contact.

Students attending class with the student would have a very low risk of contracting meningitis.

For information about meningitis, visit the national Centers for Disease Control web site at www.cdc.gov.

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