EDINBORO, Pa. -- A student at Edinboro University is being treated for bacterial meningitis.

The female student became sick over the weekend and was taken to an Erie hospital.

The medical director of Edinboro's Heath Center said she is in very serious condition.

The student's friends are being advised to take antibiotics as a precaution.

The student's name has not been released.

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What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the three thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

There are two types: bacterial and viral.

Viral meningitis is usually less severe and is usually treated with bed rest or over the counter medications.

Bacterial meningitis is more severe.

The infection can result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities and can be fatal if not treated properly.

Some symptoms include fever, neck and back pain, headache, confusion, sensitivity to light, seizures and nausea.

Allegheny County Health Department Web Site