Bowie State University has confirmed this morning that a resident student has a case of meningitis (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B/Hib). It is important to distinguish that this is not Neisseria meningitis, a much more serious condition.

Hib vaccine is given to all children as part of their routine immunizations. Campus community members should check their immunization records to verify that they have received the meningitis vaccine.

The university is working collaboratively with the Prince George's County Health Department and is notifying the campus community of the situation. For public health issues, the university responds by following recommendations and precautionary measures from the county health department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, and stiff neck which can develop over several hours or make take 1-2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion and sleepiness. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Meningitis can mainly be spread from person to person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions including coughing, kissing and sneezing. Anyone who is ill or has respiratory symptoms should take appropriate precautionary measures (covering a cough/sneeze, hand-washing, hand-sanitizing, etc.).

The University Wellness Center strongly supports the CDC recommendation that students who have not already been vaccinated get the meningitis vaccine from their primary care physician. For questions, call the Wellness Center at 301-860-4170.

For more information, review the questions and answers provided by the CDC at www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/faq.html.