Rachel Decker
The Paw Print
Last week, the first case of Meningitis struck Adams State College. Though the affected student does not reside on campus, the outbreak was taken seriously, and Adams State worked quickly and effectively to keep the outbreak secluded.
Ken Marquez, Vice President of Student Affairs, was the first to publicly confirm the outbreak. Though the student had the viral form of the disease, not the more contagious bacterial form, the symptoms of both types are similar and contagious, and it is still possible to spread the disease. Though the bacterial form of Meningitis is more severe, that does not mean that the case was taken any less seriously.
“We are working with the Alamosa County Health Department to educate our students about meningitis symptoms and preventions,” Marquez said. It is very essential that students are aware of just how severe cases of Meningitis can be, and it’s important that students know the signs and symptoms.
Both the viral and bacterial strain of the virus have the same symptoms: high fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, confusion, and sleepiness. If any student has these symptoms, they are urged to talk with their doctor and seek medical help as soon as possible. Though the viral form is not as severe, both strains can be very dangerous to your health if gone untreated, and bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in serious long-term effects, or even death.
It is important that students are aware of how the disease is spread, and how to prevent outbreaks. The viral form can be spread by person-to-person contact, the same way other viruses are spread. The bacterial form, however, can be spread from person to person by coughing, kissing, sneezing, or activities where saliva and throat secretions are present, such as drinking from the same water bottle. Even if students are not sick and they believe that a friend or family member is not sick either, it is best to take precautions and stay away from activities where they could spread the disease.
Preventing the spread of meningitis is something students should keep in mind at all times. One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread is to make sure they bathe regularly and wash their hands often. Not only will they prevent meningitis from spreading, they can also prevent other things like the flu, colds, or other unwanted sicknesses. As well as keeping themselves clean, make sure to clean any contaminated surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with a weak bleach solution. If the surfaces they touch still hold the disease, it will not matter how clean their hands are.
Not only is covering a cough polite, it can stop the disease from spreading as well. Students should try to use a tissue if possible; if they cover with your hands, they should make sure to wash them afterwards. If they miss their hands and their tissue, they should sanitize whatever surface they may have sneezed on. The last, and possibly most important thing to remember is, do not share water bottles, chap stick, makeup, or any other items of that nature. If students or their friends are sick and they share items, the disease will spread.
Keep in mind that no one wants to be sick for the holiday season. Practicing preventative measures daily, seeking medical attention if they fall ill, and making sure friends and family know the steps to take to stay healthy, should ensure that the meningitis disease does not become any worry at all.
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