Stanford issues advisory about bacterial meningitis

Several students at nearby Santa Clara University were recently diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. As a result, Stanford has issued a health advisory with information about this rare and severe illness.

Bacterial meningitis is contagious, but generally is transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory and throat secretions by close personal contact, such as coughing, sharing drinks, kissing and being in close proximity for an extended period. Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

Signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis could include high fever, headache and stiff neck. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days.

Starting Feb. 10, Vaden Health Center began offering expanded immunization clinics to accommodate students interested in receiving the meningococcal meningitis B vaccine. For more information, read the full announcement on the Vaden Health Center website.

Vaden Health Services and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety are encouraging all members of the University community to learn more about this serious illness and to pay increased attention to personal hygienic practices in light of these confirmed cases at Santa Clara University. Visit the CDC website for more.

See the advisory website.