Breaking News: Freshman Diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis
October 14, 2008 • By Tim Chapman, The Breeze
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James Madison University Public Affairs released an e-mail Tuesday afternoon advising members of the community that a freshman resident in Weaver Hall has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
Taylor Rash is being treated at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, where it is believed that the student was diagnosed in early stages of the illness.
“While meningitis can be a very serious illness, the university community should be assured that all measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the infection,” said Marsha Mays-Bernard, associate vice president for student affairs, responsible for student health. “JMU is coordinating with local health officials to ensure a safe campus environment.”
The statement also read: “The University Health Center, Rockingham Memorial Hospital and the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Health Department are working collaboratively to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient. Those individuals will be notified directly by one of the above agencies and will be informed of their treatment options. If you have been in direct contact with Taylor Rash since October 5, 2008, please contact the JMU Health Center at 540-568-6178. The remainder of the university community is unlikely to be at any risk for infection, Mays-Bernard said.”
Rash’s faculty members are being asked to make classmates aware of the situation.
According to the statement, meningitis, an infection of the fluids in the spinal cord and surrounding the brain, is caused by a viral or a bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe type.
Students who may have been in contact with the patient, should be aware possible symptoms including, high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, sore throat and general flu-like symptoms.
Only those who have had direct contact with the infected individual are at risk of infection, according to the JMU statement. Bacterial meningitis is spread by direct exchange of nose and throat secretions, usually through prolonged contact with the infected person.
“Mays-Bernard stressed that students can minimize their risk for contracting infectious diseases such as meningitis by not sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, toothbrushes, cigarettes, etc. Meningococcal bacteria cannot usually live for more than a few minutes outside the body and, thus, are not easily transmitted in water supplies, swimming pools or routine contact in a classroom, dining room or restroom.”
The JMU health center has extended it’s services til 7 p.m. this evening to any students who have questions or concerns about the situation. The UHC can be reached at 540-568-6178.
The Breeze will keep you updated as any further infromation comes along.
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at http://www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and http://www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
P O Box 83602
Phoenix, AZ 85071
http://www.musa.org