News
Marshall Student Diagnosed with Meningitis
By: Associated Press
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A Marshall University student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, according to a news release from the university.
The university reports that the student has been hospitalized since Monday after becoming sick during the weekend.
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
University health officials are responding immediately to help ensure the safety of the university community per guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, the university reports.
While the CDC reports that bacterial meningitis is contagious, it is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where an infected individual has been. The disease is usually transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory secretions such as when coughing, sharing drinks, kissing or being in close contact with someone affected for an extended period of time.