The Yale University undergraduate student hospitalized with "probable bacterial meningitis" is getting better, according to the school.
"I write with another update on our student with a probable case of bacterial meningitis," Yale Health Director Paul Genecin said. "I’m pleased to be able to tell you that the student has shown signs of improvement over the last 48 hours. I know the student’s family and friends have been touched by the outpouring of support they have received from members of our community."
The student has not been identified at this time.
Genecin wrote in a previous 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 until 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Yale Health Acute Care Department is also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 55 Lock Street and there's a 24-hour hotline students can call at 866-924-9253.
"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 university is closely monitoring the student with possible meningitis.
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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."
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. Information about the disease and how to prevent it is also available on emergency.yale.edu.
