Three cases of meningitis-like infection cause campus scare | Interactive feature

The three students hospitalized last week are now recovering, University officials say

· February 16, 2009, 5:00 am

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The three students who were hospitalized for meningococcal infections last week are now recovering, and the condition of two other students hospitalized with flu-like symptoms is not serious, University officials said yesterday.

Student Health Services sent a University-wide e-mail yesterday afternoon saying the two students were not critically ill and SHS could not confirm whether they have a meningococcal infection.

Most members of the Penn community became aware of the situation Thursday afternoon, when SHS sent an e-mail to members of the Penn community announcing that two students had been hospitalized with suspected meningococcal infections.

At that point, one student was in stable condition, while the second student was in critical condition.

By Thursday evening, University and public health officials had provided preventative treatment to about 100 students who had been in close contact with the two hospitalized students.

On Friday evening, SHS sent a second e-mail announcing a third student in critical condition at the hospital with a confirmed case of meningococcal infection.

They also confirmed that the three students had common interaction through the Greek system.

As a precaution, the University cancelled all official and student-sponsored parties or events that would have involved shared food and drink or close contact over the weekend.

The University further asked that all students who have had any contact with members of the Greek system since Feb. 2 visit a special clinic at SHS, located at 3535 Market St., Saturday morning for preventative treatment.

Around 2,100 students - a quarter of the undergraduate student body - were given prophylactic medication at that clinic.

Additional clinics were held in Houston Hall Saturday evening and yesterday afternoon. By the end of the weekend, almost 3,000 students had received the preventative antibiotic, according to University spokeswoman Phyllis Holtzman.

Another clinic will be held today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SHS.

At least two of the hospitalized students lived in the Pi Kappa Alpha house, located at 3916 Spruce St., CBS3 reported Friday evening.

Holtzman said she was unable to confirm whether the two students lived in the fraternity house.

Common early symptoms of meningococcal infection include fever, severe headache, sensitivity to bright light, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a physician or visit the Emergency Room at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania at 34th and Spruce streets immediately, according to SHS.

Managing Editor Rebecca Kaplan, Online Editor Emily Babay, City News Editor Emily Schultheis and senior staff writer Jessica Bell contributed to this article.

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Comments (3)

MUSAorg

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm

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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org. MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org Thank you, Meningitis Foundation of America P O Box 83602 Phoenix, AZ 85071 480.270.2652 www.musa.org

xianming2009

June 23, 2010, 2:20 am

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