A Yale College student who recently hospitalized has tested positive for bacterial meningitis and there have been no additional cases, according to a statement on the Yale Health web site.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told Yale that the student has tested positive for a form of meningitis known as serogroup B meningococcal disease.
State law requires that students in residential settings be vaccinated against meningococcal disease, but the vaccine most of students receive does not protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease, according to Yale Health. However, a newer form of vaccine that does cover serogroup B.
Yale Health said most cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease occur sporadically, and a single case does not meet the CDC definition of an outbreak.
"With a single case on campus, federal, state, and local health officials do not recommend mass vaccinations, but we are prepared to offer the new vaccine to anyone in the Yale community who wishes to be vaccinated," the statement says.
The student who became ill was admitted to Yale-New Haven Hospital and is getting better, according to Yale, and the university has provided antibiotics to anyone who might have had close contact with the student.
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There have been no reports of additional cases.
Call Preventive Health at 203-432-0093 to schedule an appointment.
Parents of pediatric patients and anyone over 25 years of age, should contact their primary care provider.
Students who are concerned or have particular questions about meningitis can call Student Health at 203-432-0312.
People outside of the Yale Community should call a primary care physician.
