Yale University and public health officials continue working to identify anyone who had contact with an undergraduate student hospitalized with "probable bacterial meningitis," according to the school.
Yale Health Director Paul Genecin wrote in a letter to the Yale community that "although meningitis is a serious disease, the risk of transmission is low" and that officials are "working aggressively" to find and contact people on campus "who may have had extended contact with our student" and offer them preventative care at a special clinic.
"Despite the low transmission risk, we want you to be aware of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis, which include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and a skin rash," Genecin said. "If you experience any of these symptoms, please go to Yale Health (55 Lock Street) immediately. Moreover, if you are feeling unwell for any reason – even if it is a minor sore throat – we’d like to encourage you to come to see us. We are always happy to treat a cold and rule out more serious illness!"
The student, who has not been identified, is receiving treatment for possible bacterial meningitis at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
"The student's condition is being closely monitored and our primary concern is that the student makes a swift recovery," an advisory on Yale's website said.
Meningitis is not airborne and is only transmitted through "close, extended contact," according to Yale Health. The bacterial illness can't be spread "by shaking hands; breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been; touching doorknobs, clothing or sports equipment; or food," Genecin said.
To help prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis, avoid sharing anything that comes into contact with your mouth, such as water bottles, towels, drinking glasses, eating utensils, toothbrushes and smoking materials. Genecin also advises to cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve and to "wash your hands thoroughly and frequently."
Local
More information is available by calling the meningitis hotline at 866-924-9253 or visiting the Centers for Disease Control website. Genecin said that the university will continue to provide updates on the possible meningitis case on the Yale Health website and Yale Emergency website.
