Bacterial infection causes concern on campus

After a 44-year-old male student was admitted to a local hospital last week for meningococcemia, UNCG school officials are taking preventative measures.

As defined in a recent news release, meningococcemia is an acute infection of the bloodstream caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides (meningitis). The infection is not to be confused with the life-threatening disease, meningitis, though it is still a serious concern for students.

The student, whose name has not been released, is a senior enrolled in four classes at UNCG. Students registered for the same classes have been notified by email to their UNCG accounts and are being advised to receive preventative antibiotics from the Student Health Center.

"The students that were in the classes with the patient have been exposed," said Dr. Eldaliz Fernandez, interim medical director of UNCG Student Health Services. "We recommend they be treated to prevent them from developing symptoms."

Megan Moore, assistant director of Orientation and Family Programs, has sent similar emails to parents of UNCG students asking them to encourage students to check their UNCG email accounts and assuring them the situation is being handled.

"There is no higher priority than the safety of our students and the larger university community," commented Fernandez. "We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to do so until we can be sure that this health threat has abated. It's a serious issue but the health service is prepared to handle it."

Thus far, school officials have found as many as 300 students who may have had contact with the student and are working to reach all of them.

According to the Student Health Services website, the bacteria is spread through respiratory and throat secretions to those who are in close proximity to the infected individual, though it is not as contagious as the common cold or flu. Close proximity is defined as "one to three feet for 30 or more minutes."

Because Neisseria meningitides can live in the upper respiratory tract without causing signs of illness, it is often hard to diagnose. While there may be very few symptoms at first, when they do occur they may include fever, a spotty red or purple rash, irritability, and anxiety. Other symptoms, usually developing later, include shock, bleeding under the skin, and blood clots.

While meningococcemia is a serious ailment, students should not be alarmed. According to school officials, the Student Health Center has an adequate supply of the antibiotic, Cipro, which can be dispensed to any student whom they determine may need it, and currently there have been no additional reported cases at UNCG.

Curious and/or concerned students may learn more by downloading the Meningococcemia Fact Sheet from the Student Health Services website or call the Health Center at 334-5340