A Cornell University student was hospitalized at Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) March 13 with presumed meningococcal meningitis and is in stable condition. He is the second Cornell student to develop the disease in the past week. On March 8, a 21-year-old student was hospitalized at CMC and is currently recovering in a hospital close to her home.
Tompkins County Health Department officials are working closely with Cornell to identify people with whom the students recently have been in close contact to arrange the delivery of preventive medication. IC students who attended any of three parties that took place just prior to our spring break may also have been exposed to the infection.
If you attended a party on the dates and at the locations listed below, you should contact your health care provider at home, the Hammond Health Center (607-274-3177), or the Tompkins County Department of Health (607-274-6600) as soon as possible:
Thursday, March 6, at 124 Catherine Street
Thursday, March 6, at 118 Cook Street
Saturday, March 8, at 306 Highland Avenue (Tau Epsilon Phi)
All members of the Ithaca College community, regardless of attendance at these parties, should be on the alert for the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and aware of ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Meningococcal meningitis (not to be confused with viral meningitis) is a serious -- though rare -- infectious disease that can cause permanent health problems or death. People are advised to be aware of their health and watch for symptoms of the illness, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, irritability, and mental confusion. If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Meningococcal disease is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and by direct contact with infected persons. Individuals can reduce their risk by avoiding direct contact (kissing, sneezing, or coughing on someone) and oral contact with shared items like glasses, bottles, food, utensils, cigarettes, pipes, lipsticks, and lip balms.
A vaccine is available that reduces the risk of infection with certain types of meningococcal disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations stating all adolescents should be immunized against meningococcal disease. The American College Health Association (ACHA) supports these recommendations, stating college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.
The vaccine, given in one shot with minimal side effects, is available for a fee at the Hammond Health Center for members of the Ithaca College community.
Hammond Health Center
Tompkins County Health Department
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20080315225332175