Possible meningitis case at UI

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press:  MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — University of Idaho officials say a student is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. The university said Tuesday it is working with public health officials and is notifying students, faculty, staff and parents of the situation. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms usually involve high fever, headache, rash and a stiff neck, which can develop quickly or over a period of 1-2 days. Transmission occurs by droplets or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. The risk of the general public developing the infection is very low, but close contacts of the ill student are encouraged to contact their doctor and public health officials. University health officials encourage students living in Greek housing and the dorms to get a meningitis vaccine.