Duke Responds to Bacterial Meningitis Case

University officials said Monday they are working to contact individuals who may have come in close contact with a Duke undergraduate recently admitted to the hospital with a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis.

Duke Student Health has also been working closely with the Durham County Health Department, which defines close contact as direct exposure to the student's saliva and other throat secretions. Examples of this might include kissing, sharing a drink or toothbrush, or prolonged exposure to someone coughing. Casual contact does not transmit the infection. 

Dr. John Vaughn, director of Student Health Services, and Dr. Cameron Wolfe, associate professor of medicine in the infectious disease division, sent a message to students who may have had contact with the student, updating them about the situation and advising that they may want to take an antibiotic “as a preventative measure to lower the risk even further.”

In their message, Vaughn and Wolfe encouraged students to contact Duke's student health center if they have questions, (919) 681-9355, Option 2. Non-students can contact the Durham County Health Department at (919) 560-7600. Students who were notified and who have already left for the Thanksgiving holiday can contact their local health provider about receiving the antibiotic.