UW-Madison Student Diagnosed With Bacterial Meningitis

Health officials say the isolated case poses no larger public health concern

A 19-year-old female student at UW–Madison, presumed to have bacterial meningitis, was in critical condition Tuesday at University Hospital and Clinics.

The student, from Minneapolis, became ill on Sunday night after returning to campus from holiday break. She was taken by rescue officials to the hospital early Monday afternoon and was transferred to an intensive care unit. The patient’s name is being withheld to protect her privacy.

With suspected meningitis cases, the exact form cannot be confirmed until laboratory tests are completed.

Craig Roberts, epidemiologist for University Health Services, said the student lives in a lakeshore residence hall. Roberts’ office will have an informational meeting at the residence hall today to answer any students’ lingering questions or concerns. About 10 people already have been treated with preventive antibiotics, he said.

Bacterial meningitis is difficult to contract and can only be spread through direct exposure such as kissing, sharing eating utensils or being directly coughed or sneezed on, Roberts said. Only those students who have been in direct contact with the infected person require antibiotics as a preventive measure. Other people in the community are not at risk.

UW–Madison typically sees only about one bacterial meningitis case every two years, Roberts said, adding that a single isolated case does not raise serious public health concerns. If more than one case of the same strain is confirmed in a community, more widespread preventive treatment is pursued, he said.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is the most rare and serious of the two forms. Typical symptoms of bacterial meningitis include a fever greater than 101 degrees and a severe, sudden headache accompanied by mental changes, neck or back stiffness, and rashes.

University Health Services has a detailed web site that provides more information about the disease. To contact UHS directly, call (608) 262-3016.