"Time was the key factor here," he said, noting that the student got to a hospital quickly and was swiftly diagnosed. The student began receiving treatment immediately.
Black added that the university, working closely with the Erie County Health Department, also was able to quickly identify individuals who might have been exposed to the infection during the period of contagion.
They immediately received the appropriate antibiotic therapy, which consists of one antibiotic dose. There are no significant side effects.
Black stressed that only those individuals who had been in close personal contact with the patient had cause for concern. He added that casual contact that might take place in classrooms, libraries or dining halls was not a cause for concern.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially dangerous illness that, if untreated, can be fatal. Common early symptoms include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy.
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