News
OU Student Diagnosed with Viral Meningitis
< < Back toOhio University students are being warned about a viral meningitis diagnosis on campus. OU’s interim vice president and dean of students, Jenny Hall-Jones, sent an email to students on Monday night. The email explains the situation and offers students information on how to avoid the contagious infection:
“I am writing to you today to let you know that one of your fellow students has been diagnosed with viral meningitis. The student is under a physician’s care and I know you will join me in wishing our Bobcat a full and quick recovery. For precautionary reasons, I wanted to share some additional information about viral meningitis with you.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Unlike bacterial meningitis, which can be quite severe and is treated aggressively with antibiotics, viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment. For additional information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage at http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/viral.html.
The viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious and most often are spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva or nasal mucus) of an infected person, just like the common cold. Adhering to good personal hygiene will lessen your chances of becoming infected with the virus.
Common symptoms of meningitis include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, disorientation, lethargy, nausea and vomiting. If you have any concerns or have symptoms described above, you should take appropriate precautions and see a health care provider. Campus Care is open throughout finals week 8 am – 5 pm in Hudson Health Center and also can be reached at 740-593-1660.
Please do not hesitate to call the Dean of Students office at 740-593-1800 or stop by Baker University Center, Room 345 if you have any questions.”