Health Services notifies campus of possible meningitis exposure, March 4

Princeton University Health Services has contacted campus community members who were in close contact last month with a visitor to campus who has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

The visitor, a high school student from the Boston area, was on campus from Thursday, Feb. 19, through Sunday, Feb. 22. University Health Services was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Health on Thursday, March 4, that the visitor was being treated for bacterial meningitis. University Health Services has been informed that the visitor exhibited no symptoms while on campus and that this person's condition appears to be improving.

Bacterial meningitis is a contagious disease, but the risk of transmission of the illness is very low even to people who have been in close contact with the visitor, said Daniel Silverman, Princeton's chief medical officer.

University Health Services already has contacted campus community members who were in close contact with the visitor to provide treatment.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, neck stiffness and vomiting. Anyone concerned about possible exposure is encouraged to visit University Health Services or to call (609) 258-3141 with any questions.

Roughly 85 percent of Princeton's undergraduate students already have received meningitis immunizations, but treatment is available for anyone who is concerned about possible exposure or is experiencing the symptoms described above.

More information about bacterial meningitis is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site .