University Park, Pa. — A 20-year-old Penn State student diagnosed last week with meningococcal meningitis has been upgraded to fair condition at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. A member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, 420 Locust Lane in State College, the affected student was taken to Danville late Friday night and initially was listed in critical, then serious condition.
University Health Services treated with a one-time antibiotic approximately 60 individuals who believe they may have had close contact with the ill student. No further cases of meningitis have been reported at Penn State. Meningococcal meningitis usually is not transmitted by routine contact, but is spread by saliva or other intimate prolonged close contact with the infected person. Activities such as kissing, sharing eating utensils, drink containers and toothbrushes can cause transmission of the infection. Anyone who believes they may be at risk, should contact University Health Services at (814) 863-4463.