Student hospitalized with bacterial meningitis

A female UW–Madison student is in serious condition today, April 26, at an area hospital with an undetermined type of bacterial meningitis.

The student lives in Ogg Hall, a residence hall on the southeast edge of campus. Her name is being withheld to protect her privacy.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and is typically treated with antibiotics. Meningococcal meningitis, a specific type of the disease, has been ruled out as the cause of the student’s illness.

Until the specific cause is determined, no specific preventive measures or antibiotics are being recommended, says Craig Roberts, epidemiologist at University Health Services. UHS coordinates the public health followup for infectious diseases diagnosed in UW–Madison students and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

A female Sellery Hall resident was admitted to an area hospital April 17 from meningococcal disease. She has since been discharged.

Because the two students were infected with different types of meningitis, the cases are not related, Roberts says.

Typical symptoms of meningitis include a fever greater than 101 degrees and a severe, sudden headache accompanied by mental changes, neck or back stiffness, and rashes.

The disease is only communicable through intimate or direct exposure, including kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or contact with fluids from the body of the infected person.

Students interested in speaking to someone at University Health Services should call (608) 265-5600.