Meningitis Outbreak at the University of Maryland

By Jess Nocera on October 27, 2014

Each semester brings a wave of various illnesses and diseases. Normally, mono takes campuses by storm, knocking out many students in its path. However, a different illness has taken over UMD’s campus: Meningitis.

Now before we all extremely overreact, this meningitis outbreak is VIRAL meningitis and not BACTERIAL meningitis (aka the deadly one). That said, if you have the meningitis vaccination, it will not protect you from catching the viral meningitis virus. However, the Health Center does offer the vaccination for bacterial meningitis. As with all viruses, there is no “direct cure” for it, rather it just has to run its course.

Symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to that of the flu. They include: high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, sleepiness, trouble waking up/ getting out of bed, nausea, lack of appetite and sensitivity to bright light. These symptoms last usually from 7 to 10 days, which can really put a college student behind in their classes.

How does one contract viral meningitis? It is spread through the virus called enterovirus. It is similar to many other common respiratory viruses like the common cold that are transmitted year round. The enterovirus can also be found in one’s stool for several weeks even after the symptoms have subsided.

UMD’s Health Center has been very thorough and has sent a few health alerts regarding the outbreak. The latest email featured precautionary steps students should take so that they can they do their best to avoid the virus. These steps include:

1. Frequently wash hands with warm water and soap

2. Avoid those who are not feeling well and if you start to feel unwell stay at home and rest

3. Disinfect high contact areas such as doorknobs, keyboards, sink faucets and toilet seats. Great emphasis on making sure that your restroom area is clean and disinfected.

4. Since viral meningitis is spread through close contact, it is advised not to share drinks, silverware or kiss anyone.

One thing that the Health Center’s announcements failed to mention is the rumor that the viral meningitis first broke out in a few of the fraternities here on campus (just something to keep in mind).

Here’s hoping that the outbreak truly gets contained quickly and that those suffering from the symptoms get better soon and finish out the semester strong.

The University Health Center is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.  to 12 p.m. and closed on Sun. To schedule an appointment visit the Health Center website or call 301.314.8180. The phone number for the after-hours Nurse line is: (301) 314-9386. The pharmacy is open Mon.-Fri. from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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