Students at Western are being reminded not to share items that have been in contact with another person’s saliva, following the diagnosis of meningococcal disease in a Western student.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis (a swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (an infection of the blood stream).
Most people who are exposed to the meningococcal bacteria will not become ill as they are already immune from past exposure to similar bacteria or immunization. Illness from meningococcal disease develops infrequently, even though the bacteria is commonly present in the community.
The meningococcal bacteria is spread through transfer of saliva which occurs during kissing, or when food, drinks, unwashed eating utensils, toothbrushes or cigarettes are shared.
Student Health Services at Western and the Middlesex-London Health Unit are working together to determine if any individuals have been exposed to the ill student’s saliva, as these people may be at an increased risk of developing illness.
Antibiotics are given to people who are identified as having this type of close contact with an ill person.
Health officials are also providing information to classmates of the individual, who lives off-campus.
People with meningococcal disease may have fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a red pin-point rash with bruising.
Although the chances of someone becoming ill are very low, meningococcal disease can progress quickly so it is important to seek prompt medical attention should these symptoms develop.
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 or visit the unit’s website at www.healthunit.com for additional information regarding meningococcal disease.