Earlier this week, Stamps Health Services reported that a Georgia Tech student had been hospitalized after showing symptoms consistent with those of bacterial meningitis. That student was treated for meningitis and is responding to the treatment. She is expected to recover.

In response, Stamps Health took immediate action to communicate with the student’s housemates and initiate a course of prophylactic medication. To date, none have shown any symptoms.

Given recent media attention concerning meningitis cases on other college campuses, it is important to educate oneself about the disease and its relative risk. To prevent the spread of any communicable disease, Stamps Health Services recommends increasing hygienic practices such as hand washing, and by not sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, cigarettes and other items. Although contagious, this bacterial meningitis is only transmitted by very close personal contact with exchange of saliva or respiratory secretions.

More information about bacterial meningitis is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html. Students with any concerns about their health should contact Student Health Services at 404-894-1420 or visit health.gatech.edu to schedule an appointment. Concerned faculty and staff should contact their personal physician.