Possible case of bacterial meningitis reported at Methodist University in Fayetteville

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health was notified Saturday of a possible case of bacterial meningitis at Methodist University. The university issued a campus-wide notification Saturday night about the possible diagnosis and the precautions being taken.

Officials confirm one person is in the hospital with symptoms that indicate bacterial meningitis, although doctors are waiting for a sample sent to the State Medical Laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

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County health officials are working with the university, the Epidemiology Section of the Division of Public Health and N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on the medical response to provide preventative antibiotics to anyone who had direct close contact with the hospitalized person.

An investigation is underway to identify people who may need to receive the medication. Bacterial meningitis can spread to other people by direct contact with oral secretions (saliva) by sharing eating utensils, foods, drinks and cigarettes or by kissing.

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In a phone interview with WRAL News, Cumberland County's Interim Health Director Duane Holder emphasized his organization is working closely with the university and with the Division of Public Health in Raleigh.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual and the Methodist Community," Holder said. "Time is of the essence with a disease like this, and we want people to be aware of the situation."

According to Holder, health officials believe a limited number of people came in close contact with the patient.

"We are talking about people who have the high likelihood of the sharing of oral secretions," Holder said. "That's why we believe it to be limited in scope."

Meningitis is an irritation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, rash, stiff neck, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. Preventive antibiotic treatment is only recommended for individuals who might have had contact with the ill person’s saliva.

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Any members of the Methodist University campus community with questions or concerns should call Student Health Services at 910-630-7164. Other residents may call the Department of Public Health at 910-433-3645 or 910-433-3655.