23 April 2008
MEMORANDUM
TO: Texas A&M Students, Faculty & Staff
FROM: Dean L. Bresciani, Vice President for Student
Affairs
SUBJECT: Texas A&M Student Hospitalized for
Bacterial Meningitis
A Texas A&M student has been hospitalized after
being diagnosed as having contracted bacterial meningitis. This is the
university’s only known active case at this time. The diagnosis has been
confirmed by Public Health officials. The name and/or health status of the
student are being withheld due to privacy laws.
According to state and national health officials,
bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can
progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that
surround the brain and spinal cord and can be safely treated with
antibiotics. Exposure to bacterial meningitis is through close personal
contact with respiratory droplets. Activities such as kissing or sharing a
drink or cigarette with the infected individual pose a higher risk of
infection, while indirect contact through coughing, sneezing, or the
spread of respiratory droplets onto surfaces that are touched by others
and then brought to the nose or mouth pose a lower risk of infection.
The university has an extensive protocol for dealing
with communicable diseases, one it has followed since becoming aware of
the first reported case of meningitis, a disease that strikes about 3,000
Americans each year. Be assured that we are taking all prudent reaction
and precautionary steps in these current reported cases, including the
following:
- Classmates and faculty of the student have been
notified directly of the situation and are being updated as new
information becomes known.
- Student Health Services will consult with students
who believe they might have been exposed and distribute antibiotics free
of charge and without appointment to students who are determined to be at
risk.
- Students who wish to lessen their risk of
meningitis if there is future exposure can receive vaccine by visiting
Student Health Services. The cost of the vaccine is $105 through Student
Health Services.
- Faculty and staff should contact their local
physician for information about antibiotics.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are high fever,
headache and stiff neck. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
If you experience any of these symptoms, even if you have been previously
vaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to seek medical attention
immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends all
students get a vaccination as part of college enrollment and university
officials have conveyed that information during enrollment conferences.
For more information, go to
