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Meningitis Case Confirmed in Seminole County


June 3rd, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando- An 18 year old Seminole County woman has been hospitalized with bacterial meningitis.

[Photo: Alamo.edu]

Health department officials say the patient, who is a student at Seminole State College, is recovering in hospital. 

The 18 year old, who is a student at Seminole State College, became ill last Wednesday, and was hospitalized over the weekend.

Dain Weister, spokesperson for the Florida Health Department in Seminole County, says bacterial meningitis can be deadly.

But he says it’s an isolated case and only people in close contact with the patient should be concerned.

“People who share germs on a regular basis such as they kiss each other or they share drink or they share food or a utensil," says Weister.

"Those are the only people that would have any concerns and we’ve been in touch with those folks and they’re getting antibiotic treatment now.” 

Weister says about 15 to 20 of the woman’s family and friends are taking antibiotics as a precaution.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bacterial meningitis is usually severe. 

While most people recover, side effects of the disease can include hearing loss and brain damage. 

Bacterial meningitis can be spread through exchange of respiratory and throat secretions- saliva and mucus. 

Symptoms include fever, headache and a stiff neck. 

 

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