04-27-05

Meningitis case reported at Iowa State

AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa State University student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and is hospitalized at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. The student is currently in stable condition.

University officials have contacted people who have had very close contact with the student, including roommates. A preventive antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin, has been given to those who had close contact with the student, said Dr. Marc Shulman, chief of staff at Thielen Student Health Center. Shulman added that people who have attended classes with the student are not at risk, because that is not considered "close contact."

University officials were informed of the student's condition today (April 27). State and county health officials have been notified.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis bacteria are spread through droplets from the nose and throat and from saliva. None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as illnesses such as the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Signs of meningitis include high fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort when looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, Shulman said.

Information about meningitis is available at the Thielen Student Health Center web site, http://www.public.iastate.edu/~health/news.htm#men; and from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

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