A Temple University student is suspected of having a bacterial meningococcal infection. The male undergraduate student, who lives off campus, is being treated at Temple University Hospital.

The source of the infection is unknown at this time. Temple and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are reaching out to those who we know to have had close direct contact with the infected student.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, common symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, stiff neck and rash in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Additional information about the disease has been posted to Temple University’s Student Health Services website.

The meningococcal bacteria responsible for this disease are spread only through close, prolonged contact with a person who is infected or who is a carrier. Casual contact, such as attending classes together, does not pose a risk and most infectious disease experts do not recommend treatment for people with casual or random exposure.

Anyone in the Temple community who has symptoms of the illness should immediately go to their physician, clinic, Student Health Services or Employee Health Services for examination. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

More information is available through the Centers for Disease Control.

Stephanie Ives
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students