Philadelphia, February 15: According to Penn University officials, the three students who were hospitalized for meningitis infections last week were showing marked improvement, and the condition of two other students hospitalized with flu-like symptoms was stated as not critical.
The Student Health Service (SHS) circulated an e-mail that the two new students were undergoing further evaluation and treatment. However, the SHS could not verify whether it was meningococcal infection.
As a precautionary measure, the University cancelled all official events and student-sponsored parties that would involve sharing of food drink and close interaction, with the exception of the sports related events.
University spokesman Ron Ozio disclosed that the three students had contracted the infection through “the Greek system,” meaning fraternities and sororities. The two other students were also ‘directly linked to the social networking of the first three students’. He advised all those who were in touch with members of the Greek system since Feb. 2 to visit a special clinic at SHS for preventative treatment.
Another University spokeswoman Phyllis Holtzman said that around 2,100 students from the undergraduate level were administered prophylactic medication at the special clinic.
In addition, there was provision for more clinical facilities in Houston Hall. In total, about 3,000 students had received the preventative antibiotics by the end of the weekend. Another health clinic is planned for Monday when the school expects to recommence.
Bacterial meningitis is a fatal infection involving the nervous system, whereas meningococcal is a bacterial infection within the blood stream. The common symptoms include fever, susceptibility to bright light, stiff neck, nausea, rash and lethargy. Meningitis can spread through kissing, sharing utensils and close proximity.
SHS sees an occasional stray incident of meningococcal infection, while the city of Philadelphia reports about four to five cases each year.
According to the State authorities, undergraduate students living in the campus must receive the meningococcal vaccine before joining. However, if they do not comply, students in Pennsylvania can sign a waiver stating that they have been informed of the risks and the benefits of the vaccine. Most students are encouraged to receive the vaccination.
The undergraduate meningococcal vaccination rate is about 98 or 99 percent.
A Penn sophomore Anne Ryan had died of meningitis in September 2007. Her family had filed a lawsuit against the hospital of the university which is still unresolved.
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