Princeton University reports 8th meningitis case
A Princeton University student is receiving treatment after she was diagnosed with meningitis yesterday. The student developed symptoms Wednesday night and went to the University’s McCosh Health Center, from where she was taken to a local hospital on Thursday, according to the University Friday.
Blair Hall at Princeton University Public domain photo/Wikimedia commons
New Jersey health officials are currently testing the strain of bacteria to determine if it is Neisseria meningitidis serotype B, the strain that has infected seven students at the school since March.
State law requires all Princeton students living in dorms to have received the licensed meningitis vaccine, which protects against most strains of the bacteria but not serotype B.
The University reported last week they plan on offering a vaccine that can protect against meningitis serotype B, Novartis’ Bexsero, which is approved for use in the EU and Australia.
On Friday’s posting, the university writes:
The vaccine that is being recommended is licensed for use in Europe and Australia, but not the United States. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration would allow the use of this vaccine for this particular situation at Princeton.
Pending final CDC approval, the University is prepared to accept these recommendations and we are making arrangements to provide access to this vaccine.
On the west coast of the US, three students at UC Santa Barbara have been confirmed with meningococcal meningitis, two confirmed as N. meningitidis serotype B, one pending.
Related article: What is Bexsero? How common is meningococcal disease serogroup B?
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Our hearts and support go out to those affected by the terrible effects of meningitis. The Meningitis Foundation of America offers extensive information regarding diagnosis, immunization, recovery and the after effects of meningitis. MFA survives primarily by donations. For the past 16 years, we have assisted people through support groups, resources and advocacy in efforts to help those affected with meningitis overcome and those around them understand the journey ahead. We promote prevention and safety measure in at risk communities and help explain the short term, long term effects and recovery treatments of meningitis to the media and public at large. Meningitis is a dangerous & often times fatal infection that can lead to serious life-long physical problems and even death. We are here to provide emotional support to those who need it; please feel free to reach out to us at http://www.musa.org and [email protected]
Daisi Pollard Sepúlveda-Low
National President
Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
World Meningitis Day 24 April
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