12/4/01

Janet L. McCoy, 334/844-9999

AUBURN STUDENT IN BIRMINGHAM DIAGNOSED WITH MENINGITIS

AUBURN -- Twenty Auburn University students were examined Monday at the Auburn Medical Clinic after an AU student in Birmingham was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis.

The state Health Department confirmed Tuesday that an AU student had the bacterial form of meningitis. The student was hospitalized Nov. 30 in Birmingham, said Sharon Thompson, communicable disease nurse with the state Health Department.

At the request of the student's parents, his identity is not being released nor the hospital where he is being treated.

Dr. Frederick Kam, director of the AU Medical Clinic, said seven of the 20 students examined at the medical center were given prescriptions of antibiotics. Those students did not exhibit any symptoms of meningitis but did have close, physical contact with the AU student. Very few students had visited the clinic by noon Tuesday for treatment, Kam said.

The AU student, who lived off campus, was a member of a social fraternity. Kam met with fraternity members Monday night to give them medical advice.

"We're telling all students or anyone who may have had close, physical contact with this student, to be seen by a medical provider," Kam said.

Kam said the medical center received about 30 phone calls Monday from concerned parents and students.

"We're giving everyone the same advice," he added.

Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The risk for contracting the disease is low. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, nausea, rash and lethargy. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a physician immediately.

CONTACT: Kam, 334/844-4422; or Thompson, 1/800-338-8374.