College student diagnosed with meningitis
By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff
A 20-year-old student at Fitchburg State College is being treated for bacterial meningitis, a potentially lethal illness, state health authorities said today.
The woman, whose identity was not disclosed because of patient confidentiality laws, was hospitalized over the weekend, said Donna Rheaume, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health. The state had no information immediately available on the student's condition. A letter to students and faculty that was posted on the college's website on Monday said "the student is currently in the hospital receiving treatment."
The college's statement also said that students who may have had close contact with the woman are being treated preventively with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis, which can cause brain and spinal cord tissue to swell, is spread through kissing or sharing of cups, bottles, knives, forks, or cigarettes.
About 20 to 25 people are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis each year in Massachusetts. State law requires students who live in dormitories to be vaccinated against the disease, or to sign a waiver declining the shot. But the two vaccines available do not protect against every strain of the disease.
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives.
Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities. Complications from bacterial meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs.
MFA has many spokespersons available. If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson please call Jamie Callahan, General Manager of the MFA. A MFA press kit and, for television producers, b-roll footage is available upon request. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
Thank you,
Ms. Jamie Callahan, General Manager
Meningitis Foundation of America
6610 North Shadeland Ave.
Suite 220
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(800) 668-1129 ext.7
jcallahan@musa.org