Officials Suspect Pitt Student Has Meningitis

A University of Pittsburgh student has a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis.

The Allegheny County Health Department said the 21-year-old man has the classic symptoms of a fever, headache and a stiff neck.

This strain of meningitis is not considered highly contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

The school and the health department said less than a dozen people are at risk.

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

Previous Stories: May 10, 2005: Another Meningitis Case Strikes Local College Campus April 27, 2005: College Student Diagnosed With Bacterial Meningitis