Student contracts bacterial meningitis

By Lindsey Alpert

Daily Staff Reporter

A Michigan State University student was admitted to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing on Saturday with bacterial meningitis, bringing the deadly disease into the spotlight once again.

Michigan State reported a case of the bacterial illness in October when Michigan State sophomore Adam Busuttil was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, prompting nearly 16,000 Michigan State faculty and students to receive the meningitis vaccine, Menumune.

"There are five strains of meningococcal meningitis that are known," Michigan State Information Officer Tom Oswald said. "They're A, B, C, Y and W135, and B is the one that's immune to the virus." The student, whose name has not been released, has the B strain of the virus - the only one that the virus does not protect against.

Meningitis is an inflammation of brain and spinal cord linings. With meningococcal meningitis, bacteria infects the blood of the afflicted individual.

"There is a mortality rate of about 10 to 15 percent," Michigan State University Physician Beth Alexander said. "We are optimistic that the student will recover."

The Ingham County Health Department and Michigan State have contacted most of the people that came in close contact with the infected student.

These students were given Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic that kills any lingering bacteria.

Meningitis can be contracted through direct contact with saliva and nasal secretions. The risk of contracting the illness increases through kissing, sharing utensils or using the same drinking glasses.

Busuttil, who has recovered and is returning to Michigan State in the fall, lost the tips of seven fingers and one toe fighting bacterial meningitis.

Although the University of Michigan has not had a case of bacterial meningitis since 1995, when a female student living in Bursley Residence Hall was diagnosed for viral meningitis in October of last year. But some students are concerned due to the closeness of the two campuses.

"I guess it's kind of bad that a lot of people travel between U of M and MSU, but the fact that it's such a rare thing makes me not so concerned," LSA freshman Michelle Martinez said. "If the University was concerned, they would lower the cost of the vaccines."

As of last week, the University Health Service has given 2,004 vaccines this school year, UHS interim Director Robert Winfield said. "We have 550 doses in the refrigerators for those requesting vaccination," Winfield said.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend the vaccine for freshmen and other students living in a group environment, like University residence halls. The vaccine will protect against all strains of the disease except for the B strain.

"My parents made me get the vaccine," MSU freshman Jennifer Kurland said.

The symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, rashes, and vomiting that come on suddenly.

"If someone has a stiff neck, with a headache and fever, they should come in to be evaluated," Winfield said.

There is a better chance of an uncomplicated and speedier recovery if the disease is treated at its onset.

The incubation period of the bacteria is two to 10 days, but most commonly three to four days. People infected with the disease are no longer contagious after a 24 hour period following treatment.

"We're hoping that people do not become alarmed or scared by this isolated case," Winfield said.

living in Bursley Residence Hall was diagnosed for viral meningitis in October of last year. But some students are concerned due to the closeness of the two campuses.