Meningococcal Disease Suspected In Miami University Student

(CTN News) – The Butler County Health Department is investigating a suspected case of meningococcal disease among Miami University students.

A maningococcal disease can be classified into two types: meningitis (when the lining of the brain/spinal cord becomes infected and swells) and septicemia (when bacteria enter the bloodstream, damage blood vessels, and cause bleeding).

Nonspecific symptoms of meningococcal disease include sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, stiff necks, joint pain, a rash of purple spots or bruises, nausea, vomiting, and a dislike of bright lights.

The disease can be life-threatening, says Dr. Bill Petri of the University of Virginia’s Department of Infectious Diseases.

According to Petri, about 1 out of 10 people will die from it since it’s quite serious.

It can spread from person to person via respiratory droplets and throat secretions (saliva or spit). It is not possible to catch meningococcal disease from casual contact or by breathing air where someone with the disease has been.

Meningococcal Disease meningitis can be caught by being a roommate, a housemate, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a spouse of someone who has the disease.

To get in touch with Butler County General Health District, call 513-863-1770. Although Miami’s Health Services cannot provide additional information on this case, they are available to provide medical care to students who are ill. Make an appointment by calling 513-529-3000.

Butler County General Health District announced the suspected case on Thursday, stating that they are working to identify anyone in close contact with the student and to provide them with antibiotics.
In addition, health officials said they are working with the university and the Ohio Department of Health on contact tracing and spreading awareness of the illness.

According to a statement released by Miami University on Thursday evening, the Butler County General Health District will contact students who may have had close contact with the ill student to describe what symptoms to look for and provide prophylactic treatment.

Students who don’t hear from Butler County General Health District can assume they are not considered high-risk close contacts.

According to health officials, the disease is rare, but can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Known as Neisseria meningitidis, the disease is caused by a bacterium that can have life-threatening effects or cause long-term complications. The most common cause of meningitis is Meningococcal Disease. It can also cause chronic meningococcemia, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and occult bacteremia (blood infection).

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