UK Officials Answer Questions About Meningitis

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2018) — The University of Kentucky responded to questions from the media today following an announcement last night that a probable bacterial meningitis case was reported on UK's campus Monday.  Speakers were Dr. Derek Forster, medical director, Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases; Sarah Nikirk, executive director of Auxiliary Services; and Tony Ralph, student services executive director in Residence Life. 

Due to federal privacy laws pertaining to UK students and patients, information specific to the case could not be shared, but the UK representatives discussed bacterial meningitis generally and how UK is responding.

To view the media availability that was streamed live on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/universityofky/videos/10155381797721819/. 

The statement on the meningitis case that was released via social media Monday, Jan. 29:

On Monday, University of Kentucky officials were informed that a student has been hospitalized with a probable case of bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, and potentially fatal disease. In the interest of safety and to ensure everyone's health and well-being – which is always our first and most important priority -- the University is working to provide information to the campus community about bacterial meningitis as well as signs and symptoms of the disease.

The area where the student lives is being professionally cleaned and others who may have been in close contact with the student are being provided further details, information and resources.

Although a confirmation or an exact strain of meningitis has not yet been determined, in the interest of safety and precaution, anyone with signs or symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms:

Meningitis symptoms include:

• sudden onset of fever
• headache
• stiff neck

There are often other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) and confusion. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days.

Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Your safety and health, as always, is our top priority at the University of Kentucky. For more information about bacterial meningitis, go to https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html.