Loyola University Maryland student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis
An undergraduate student at a Baltimore university has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and is hospitalized in serious, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to a Loyola University Maryland news release Feb.7.
Admissions Dept at Loyola College in Maryland
Public domain image/Rybread via Wikimedia Commons
According to Loyola’s Media Relations Manager, Nick Alexopulos, the unnamed student was seen by Loyola’s student health center in the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 6 and was subsequently transported to the emergency room.
Today, the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was confirmed.
“There is no indication of a significant health risk to the broader community because bacterial meningitis is typically contracted through direct, close contact”, Alexopulos said.
“Loyola health officials are evaluating the student’s roommates and other close contacts, and Loyola has informed its campus community of the case, the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and how to access health resources if needed.”
Bacterial meningitis is usually severe. While most people with meningitis recover, it can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
Although it’s not clear in this case what the etiologic agent of the infection is, some of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Haemophilus influenzae (most often caused by type b, Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Neisseria meningitidis; with the last one, meningococcal meningitis, seen in college aged students frequently living in close quarters like in dormitories.
Neisseria meningitidis
Image/CDC
According to the CDC, in the United States, about 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis, including 500 deaths, occurred each year between 2003–2007.
Over the past weekend, a Kalamazoo College in Michigan student died from complications from meningococcal meningitis.
The Loyola community’s thoughts and prayers are with the student and the student’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
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