Syracuse University student diagnosed with meningitis B

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse University student recently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis has meningitis B, according to the university's Office of Health Services.

Medical Director Karen Nardella says students who have had close contact with the ill student has been administered antibiotics as per public health protocols. Students who have had prolonged contact with the ill student are deemed to be at the greatest risk.

The Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, said the student has been discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

According to the CDC, meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling.

People do not become infected with meningitis through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with the infection has been. The bacterium that causes meningitis is spread to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or prolonged contact to spread the bacterium. According to the CDC, most carriers of the bacteria never become sick.

Health Officials say vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis. Students are first vaccinated against meningitis strains A, C, W, and Y at 11 or 12 years old with a booster at 16-years-old. Students can also be vaccinated against meningitis B. Officials recommend talking to your healthcare provider about whether they recommend vaccinating against the "B" strain.

Other ways to prevent infection include washing your hands often and avoiding sharing things like silverware, drinking containers, lipstick, and smoking materials.

Antibiotics are typically administered to treat meningitis. Most people recover from meningitis within seven to 10 days. However, if left untreated, serious complications including permanent disabilities and in rare cases death can occur.

School health officials say students who experience symptoms should call Health Services at 315-443-9005.

For more information on meningitis, click here.