subscriber servicessubscribecontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, Jul 06 2009 

Published: January 31, 2008 01:35 am    print this story   comment on this story  

FSU student diagnosed with probable case of viral meningitis

Not considered to be public health threat

By Katie Wilson
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT A student at Fairmont State has been diagnosed with probable viral meningitis.

FSU spokeswoman Amy Pellegrin announced the university was notified by the county health department Wednesday afternoon.

The student is a resident at Pence Hall. Because of health privacy laws, no other information about the student is being released, she said.

“Viral meningitis is not considered to be a public health threat,” Pellegrin said. “We do not believe that there is an elevated risk of infection to anyone on campus.”

Lloyd White, Marion County Health Department administrator, said there’s a 97 percent chance the student’s meningitis is not bacterial, the more serious version of the illness. The “probable” diagnosis is determined when officials are nearly positive of the diagnosis, White said.

“When we see the way the tests are leaning, we say it’s ‘probable,’” White said.

A positive diagnosis of viral meningitis is expected today, he said.

A public health alert is released in cases when the public needs to be notified of a concern, he said.

“Public health is all about prevention,” White said.

This is the second Pence Hall resident in a year to be diagnosed with the illness. Last April, a student was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

The university held a residence hall meeting to inform students of the situation and answer any questions they may have. Letters were sent home to the parents or guardians of students living at Pence Hall, Pellegrin said. An e-mail was also sent to every student, faculty and staff member on campus, she said.

The same procedures are being followed in this instance.

The e-mail sent to students includes symptoms of and a fact sheet on viral meningitis. Students who believe they have symptoms of viral meningitis should contact Yolanda Kirchartz, director of student health services, at 367-4399 or visit the health services center on the third floor of the Falcon Center.

Viral meningitis is much different and more common than bacterial meningitis, which can be extremely serious. Viral meningitis is a relatively common, but rarely serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.

The illness usually lasts less than 10 days, and people usually recover completely without complications. Symptoms of viral meningitis are fever, headache, stiff neck and tiredness. Rash, sore throat and vomiting can also occur.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.

print this story   comment on this story  

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.



Zillow
monster
autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premium Jobs

hire classroom teachers
Lasting Impressions Child Development
Center is looking to hire classroom teachers. Full and part time positions a
...>MORE

Vocational Assessment Program Manager
EMBED PBrush
CENTER FOR
EXCELLENCE IN
DISABILITIES (CED)
ROBERT C. BYRD HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER...>MORE

Orthodontic Assistant
ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT NEEDED to become part of WV’s largest and best dental team. Earn top pay plus Bonus. Experience pr...>MORE

LEGAL Assistant -
LEGAL Assistant -
Fairmont Law Firm seeking to fill full-time position for litigation practice. Previous legal exp
...>MORE

Kings Jewelry
Part Time Sale Position
Kings Jewelry in Meadowbrook Mall, is seeking
part time sales Associates.
Res
...>MORE

Early Learning Center Supervisor
Early Learning Center Supervisor - Supervisor needed to direct all activities and operations, including regulatory, budg...>MORE

Concrete Plant Manager
Producer of ready mix concrete is seeking Concrete Plant Manager in Morgantown. Responsibilities include materials proc...>MORE

Sales Associate
Local retail shop seeks friendly Sales Associate. Must have intermediate computer skills. Send resume to: Dept. TWV-129...>MORE

Fairmont Job Fair!!
Fairmont Job Fair!!
Thursday, July 16th
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
1000 Galliher Drive Exhibition Hall – 1st F
...>MORE

Residence Director
Fairmont State University is seeking to fill the full time position of Residence Director.  Please apply online at www.f...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index