2008 Woodie Awards
Meningitis places MTSU student in hospital
Andy Harper
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: News
An MTSU student remains at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville after being admitted on March 9 for bacterial meningitis.
The female freshman, whose name is being withheld at the family's request, remains in critical condition, but is showing signs of improvement.
The student complained about symptoms of the bacterial infection on Saturday, March 8, after returning from her spring break vacation in Florida.
"We don't know where the student contracted the disease and it's really hard to tell exactly where," said Rick Chapman, director for Student Health Services.
After returning from spring break, the student did not return to campus.
"The health department doesn't think that she was infected on campus," Chapman said.
se from MTSU News and Public Affairs, the university has contacted and treated all students who may have been in close contact with the student during the spring break.
MTSU does not require students who live on campus to receive meningitis vaccines. However, freshmen are informed on the benefits of receiving the vaccine and required to sign a waiver indicating that the university has informed them of potential health risks.
"Freshmen, especially ones living in a dorm or apartment type setting are at higher risk for infection," Chapman said. "That is why freshman CUSTOMS recommends the vaccination."
The vaccination, called Menactra, is offered by Student Health Services for $95. The vaccine protects against most strains of meningitis, Chapman said.
Bacterial meningitis is an airborne-transmitted illness. Most who are stricken are between the ages of 10 and 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students who are immuno-suppressed or overly stressed are especially susceptible.
Anyone suffering from symptoms related to meningitis should seek medical attention immediately, Chapman said.
"The symptoms are flu and viral cold like, so it can make it hard to diagnose initially," Chapman said. "The only real way to confirm an infection is with a spinal tap."
More information on bacterial meningitis can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
The female freshman, whose name is being withheld at the family's request, remains in critical condition, but is showing signs of improvement.
The student complained about symptoms of the bacterial infection on Saturday, March 8, after returning from her spring break vacation in Florida.
"We don't know where the student contracted the disease and it's really hard to tell exactly where," said Rick Chapman, director for Student Health Services.
After returning from spring break, the student did not return to campus.
"The health department doesn't think that she was infected on campus," Chapman said.
se from MTSU News and Public Affairs, the university has contacted and treated all students who may have been in close contact with the student during the spring break.
MTSU does not require students who live on campus to receive meningitis vaccines. However, freshmen are informed on the benefits of receiving the vaccine and required to sign a waiver indicating that the university has informed them of potential health risks.
"Freshmen, especially ones living in a dorm or apartment type setting are at higher risk for infection," Chapman said. "That is why freshman CUSTOMS recommends the vaccination."
The vaccination, called Menactra, is offered by Student Health Services for $95. The vaccine protects against most strains of meningitis, Chapman said.
Bacterial meningitis is an airborne-transmitted illness. Most who are stricken are between the ages of 10 and 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students who are immuno-suppressed or overly stressed are especially susceptible.
Anyone suffering from symptoms related to meningitis should seek medical attention immediately, Chapman said.
"The symptoms are flu and viral cold like, so it can make it hard to diagnose initially," Chapman said. "The only real way to confirm an infection is with a spinal tap."
More information on bacterial meningitis can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
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MUSAorg
posted 3/13/08 @ 1:26 AM CST
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. (Continued…)
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