County public health nurses are distributing medicine to students at San Diego State University after a student was hospitalized this week with a probable meningococcal infection.
Antibiotics are recommended for anyone who was notified they were in close contact with the person to prevent any possible infection. Potential contacts who attended a Delta Sigma Phi Formal on Friday, April 12 or a Delta Sigma Phi Social Event on Saturday, April 13 were also recommended to receive the antibiotics.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include fever, intense headache, lethargy, stiff neck and/or a rash that does not blanch under pressure. Anyone with potential exposure who develops any of these symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider or emergency room for an evaluation for possible meningococcal disease.
The bacteria can be spread through close contact, such as sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, cigarettes or pipes, or water bottles; kissing; and living in close quarters.
