Because the WPI student was with her at home over this past weekend he was notified by the MDPH that he may have been exposed and has received the appropriate treatment. This student has currently returned to his home and we will keep in close contact with him. According to Emily Harvey of the MDPH's Epidemiological Center in Boston, there is no threat to the WPI campus from this particular case. We are staying in close contact with the MDPH as well as the primary care physicians caring for the WPI student. It is important to reiterate that no one at WPI has been diagnosed with having meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially dangerous illness.
The risk for contracting the disease is low. Some common early symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, and lethargy. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a physician immediately. For more information about Meningitis, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control website . If you believe you have a medical problem, please call the Health Center or come visit us.