A Cal State Long Beach student has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease, a rare but serious illness caused by an infectious bacteria, according to a campus-wide email sent by CSULB Interim President Donald Para on Friday.
In the email, Para said that Student Health Services (SHS) has identified and is working with people who may have come into contact with the diagnosed student.
“I am sharing this information to assure you that the people in Student Health Services on campus, as well as the Long Beach Health Department, are taking every precaution to ensure that we have no additional cases to report on campus,” Para said in the email.
The CSULB student’s diagnosis comes in the same week that a third student at University of California, Santa Barbara was diagnosed with meningococcal disease, according to the Los Angeles Times. A female USCB student was diagnosed on Monday, while UCSB’s first diagnosis was announced on Nov. 11.
As a precautionary measure, more than 300 USCB students have been given antibiotics, according to the LA Times.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that college freshmen, especially those living in residential halls, are more likely to contract meningococcal disease, commonly referred to as meningitis. An average of 100 cases of meningitis are found on U.S. college campuses each year, leading to between 5 and15 deaths annually, according to the CDPH.
“Even if treated, 10 to 14 percent of people who get meningococcal disease will die from it,” according to the CDPH website. “Of the survivors, 11 to 19 percent lose their arms or legs, become deaf or brain damaged, or suffer other complications.”
Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria that can infect the blood or areas around the brain and spinal cord. Infection can lead to brain damage, disability and rapid death, according to the CDPH website.
Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which cause meningococcal disease, are spread by fluid from the throat and nose. The bacteria are spread by activities such as kissing and sharing cigarettes, lipstick and drink containers, according to the CDPH.
The bacteria quickly die when outside of the body, and contaminated surfaces such as desks, books and countertops, are safe to touch after a few minutes.
The CDPH reported that common symptoms of meningoccal disease include stiff neck, headache and high fever. In his email, Para said other symptoms include rash and confusion, and he advised anyone on campus experiencing those symptoms to seek medical attention.
The meningococcal vaccination, called Menactra, greatly reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the meningococcal disease, according to the SHS website. The vaccine is required for students living on campus, and the SHS recommends that all students receive it.
Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with meningococcal disease and those who have questions or concerns should contact SHS at (562) 985-4771.
