A 19-year-old University of Colorado student has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, spurring university officials on Monday to issue a health safety alert.
The male student is in fair condition at Boulder Community Hospital, and Boulder County Public Health officials are investigating the case and reaching out to those who have been in close contact with the patient, according to the CU safety alert.
The risk of meningitis spreading is minimal and confined to those who have had close contact with a person who is infected, such as sharing e-cigarettes or other smoking devices; kissing; sharing drinks, glasses or eating utensils; or otherwise being exposed to nose or throat secretions from the person, according to the alert. The disease spreads via saliva.
Common symptoms include fever, severe headache or stiff neck, extreme fatigue, light sensitivity and confusion, and a person might be infected for one to 10 days before showing any symptoms, though it’s more typically three to four days.
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection and can result in serious complications, including death, if left untreated.
The student arrived at the hospital Sunday afternoon, and CU has so far provided antibiotics to about 60 people who said they came in contact with him, said Chana Goussetis, a Boulder County Public Health spokeswoman. She added that though meningococcal meningitis is a serious illness, the risk to the general public is low and cases are rare.
“It’s more of a risk for students on campus who may have been in contact with this person,” Goussetis said. “In general, (meningococcal meningitis) is fairly rare.”
Only about five to six cases are reported in the state each year, she said. The last confirmed case at CU was in October 2011. Prior to that, the last reported case at CU was in March 2006.
CU officials urged students to contact their health care providers or the Wardenburg Health Center if they experienced any symptoms. They also urged students, especially those living in the residence halls, to get vaccinated.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against this severe disease,” the alert said. “Anyone who has never been vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis or has not been vaccinated in the past five years should consider getting the vaccination.”
New students are required to provide proof of two doses each of measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations, as well as complete a new student immunization questionnaire to learn about meningococcal meningitis, human papillomavirus vaccine, and tuberculosis.
Cassa Niedringhaus: 303-473-1106, cniedringhaus@dailycamera.com
