Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window) Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)


UW Student with Meningitis Doing Well; Exact Type of Infection Undetermined

Additional testing was unable to determine the type of meningitis contracted by a University of Wyoming student, UW officials say.

The student remains in the hospital and is doing well. A complete recovery is expected.

As a precautionary measure, all individuals who had close, personal contact with the student before hospitalization Oct. 25 have been contacted and offered preventive treatment by UW and the Wyoming Department of Health.

The vast majority of students, faculty and staff at the university do not need to be concerned or take any special precautions.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses. The severity of illness and treatment differ depending on the cause.

The symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache and stiff neck. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and a confused mental state.

Any student who is concerned he or she may have meningitis should contact the UW Student Health Service. Faculty and staff members should contact their personal clinician’s office, the Albany Community Health Clinic, an urgent care facility or the Ivinson Memorial Hospital emergency room.

The Student Health Service is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (307) 766-2130. An after-hours nurse advice line also is available to students at (307) 766-2130.

People with general questions or concerns about this situation should call the Dean of Students Office at (307) 766-3296.

Additional information on meningitis may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html.

 

 

Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window) Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)