NJ: Meningitis outbreak at Princeton University

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Source: http://www.centraljersey.com/article...c127216154.txt

PRINCETON: Two meningitis cases at university
DATE POSTED: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 5:48 PM EDT
By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer


An 18-year-old Princeton University student contracted a potentially deadly form of meningitis in an incident last month that required her roommates to be vaccinated, officials said Wednesday.

The case, first disclosed to the public at a Princeton Board of Health meeting Tuesday, was followed this month by a second case, this one involving a 17-year-old boy visiting campus who also suffered from bacterial meningitis, authorities said...

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Re: NJ: Meningitis outbreak at Princeton University

Source:

http://princeton.patch.com/articles/state-declares-meningitis-outbreak-at-princeton-university

State Declares Meningitis Outbreak at Princeton University

Despite collaboration between the local, regional, state and federal health officials, there's some concern on the Princeton Board of Health about whether enough is being done.

By Greta Cuyler
Email the author
5:00 pm

The New Jersey Department of Health has declared a meningitis outbreak at Princeton University, one day after school officials confirmed the fourth case since March...

...The latest case at Princeton was confirmed on Monday after a male student who lives out of state develped symptoms on Sunday on his way home for the summer. He is currently hospitalized in another state.

The first three cases have all been identified as the identical strain of Neisseria meningiditis serogroup (type) B, also referred to a meningococcal meningitis. There is no vaccine for this strain, although they can be treated with antibiotics...

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Re: NJ: Meningitis outbreak at Princeton University

NJ Department of Health
Vaccine Preventable Disease Program

Meningococcal Disease Frequently Asked Questions
June 11, 2013

OVERVIEW

Is the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) considering there to be an outbreak of meningococcal disease at Princeton University?

Yes. As of June 11, there have been a total of four (4) cases of invasive meningococcal disease associated with Princeton University.
. The first case was a female student who was away from campus for spring recess in March and developed symptoms of meningitis when returning to the area and went directly to the hospital. This student has recovered.

? The second case was a visitor on Princeton University campus from April 6-8, who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after returning to another state. This case is being followed by another state?s health department.

? The third case is a male student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis on May 7. This student has recovered.

? The most recent case is a male student who resides out of state. The case developed symptoms on May 19 on his way home for summer recess. This case has recovered.

The NJDOH, local health officials, and Princeton University Health Services (UHS), in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have worked together to identify close contacts, administer prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics to close contacts, and provide recommendations for appropriate public health measures.

At this time, there are no recommendations to cancel any activities or scheduled events on the Princeton University Campus. There are also no recommendations for the surrounding community to avoid contact with Princeton or Princeton students.


Why is the NJDOH considering this an outbreak?

For the purposes of this situation, and in consultation with the CDC, the NJDOH is considering this to be a school-based outbreak of meningococcal disease. Given that we have four identified cases diagnosed with the identical strain of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in a short period of time, in an abundance of caution, we are considering this an outbreak. We hope that by considering this an outbreak, we will increase awareness and prompt early case recognition among members of the Princeton community and healthcare providers.


Are there any additional recommendations now that this is being considered an outbreak?

No. NJDOH continues to stress the same basic infection prevention activities. There are no additional recommendations.


What type of bacteria is causing the infection?

All four cases are caused by identical strains of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup (type) B. This infection is also referred to as invasive meningococcal disease.


Is there a vaccine against this infection?

The meningococcal vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups (types) of the meningococcal infection - A, C, Y and W-135. There is currently no licensed vaccine that covers serogroup B. As such, even students who have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis may still be vulnerable to infections with serogroup B.


Is there a link between the cases?

No common link has been identified among these four cases. Cases of meningococcal disease can occur sporadically in college settings since this population has an increased risk for meningococcal disease.

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Read more:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/doc...occal_faqs.pdf

http://www.state.nj.us/health/