ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 24, 1996 TAG: 9602260026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
A Radford University student has been diagnosed with a relatively rare bacterial infection which, left untreated, could be fatal or lead to the central nervous system infection called meningitis.
The student was hospitalized at Radford Community Hospital following Thursday's diagnosis of meningococcemia, a bloodstream infection with meningococcus bacteria. He was in good condition Friday, but is being kept in isolation and treated with antibiotics.
Meningococcemia is not usually spread by casual contact such as being in a classroom or socializing with the infected person. It takes prolonged contact such as sharing a drinking glass or toothbrush, kissing, or living in the same household for an extended time, according to New River Health District officials.
The student's two housemates are the only ones found to fit any of those categories, so far. They have been confined and treated with antibiotics, Radford Student Health Services Director Joyce Walter said Friday - "Nobody else at this point."
She said neither of the housemates has shown any of the symptoms suggestive of meningitis or meningococcal infection, such as high fevers, severe headaches, stiff necks or skin rashes. Treatment consists of a two-day course of antibiotics, after which the person is no longer infectious.
Meningococcal bacterial infections occur sporadically on college campuses in winter and early spring. They can cause a bloodstream infection, meningococcemia, or lead to meningitis.
Sixty-four meningococcal infections were reported last year in Virginia. There have been at least six cases so far this year. Radford University Student Health Services generally sees one or two a year.
One in four people carry the bacteria at any given time in their throats without ever developing the disease, Walter explained. "It doesn't hurt them," she said. But occasionally a person with a temporarily weakened immune system can catch and develop it.
The bacteria survive only briefly on such surfaces as tables, chairs or clothing. But the infection is taken seriously because it can be fatal or lead to meningitis, which also is sometimes fatal.
A Radford University student died of meningococcal infection Feb. 24, 1992, as did a 15-year-old Pulaski County High School student on April 24 of that year.
Several Virginia Tech students were treated last October after being at a party with a University of Virginia student who developed meningitis. An 18-year-old Virginia Military Institute cadet from Staunton died Jan. 18 from Neisseria meningitis, which released toxins causing his blood vessels to break down.
Health officials are urging any Radford University students and others who experience fever, headache, stiff neck or skin rash to report to Radford University Student Health Services (831-5111) or to their own doctor or a local hospital emergency room for evaluation.
"We don't want to alarm people who don't need to be alarmed," Walter said. But "you want the people to know what the signs and symptoms are and get to a professional."
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