Cornell Community E-mail Alert

Date: March 14, 2008

Subject:  Advisory on meningococcal disease

A Cornell University student was hospitalized at Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) March 13 with presumed meningococcal meningitis; he is in stable condition. He is the second Cornell student to develop the disease in the past week. On March 8, a 21-year-old student was hospitalized at CMC and is currently recovering in a hospital close to her home.

Tompkins County Health Department officials are working closely with Cornell and Gannett Health Services staff to identify people with whom the students recently have been in close contact to arrange the delivery of preventive medication. In conjunction with the New York State Department of Health, they are pursuing the possibility of a connection between the two cases.

Anyone who attended parties on the dates and at the locations below should seek preventive antibiotic from Gannett Health Services or another health care provider as soon as possible.
- March 6 at 124 Catherine Street
- March 6 at 118 Cook Street
- March 8 at 306 Highland Avenue (Tau Epsilon Phi)

All members of the Cornell community, regardless of attendance at these parties, should be on the alert for the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and aware of ways to reduce the risk of infection.

Meningococcal meningitis (not to be confused with viral meningitis) is a serious – though rare – infectious disease that can cause permanent health problems or death. People are advised to be aware of their health and watch for symptoms of the illness, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, irritability and mental confusion. If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

Meningococcal disease is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with infected persons. Individuals can reduce their risk by avoiding direct contact (kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone) and oral contact with shared items like glasses, bottles, food, utensils, cigarettes, pipes, lipsticks and lip balms.

A vaccine is available that reduces the risk of infection with certain types meningococcal disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations stating all adolescents should be immunized against meningococcal disease. The American College Health Association (ACHA) supports these recommendations, stating college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated. The vaccine, given in one shot with minimal side effects, is available for a fee at Gannett Health Services for members of the Cornell community.

Information about meningococcal disease and vaccination is available on the Gannett Health Services web site: <www.gannett.cornell.edu>.

Students with concerns about symptoms of illness or exposure risk can consult by phone with a Gannett health care provider any time of day or night at (607) 255-5155.

The Tompkins County Health Department can provide further information about the disease and concerns about the public health at (607) 274-6616.