2nd Meningitis Case Reported at Lehigh University

Days after a female student was hospitalized, a male student receives treatment for meningitis

A second case of bacterial meningitis was reported on the campus of Lehigh University over the weekend as thousands of students arm themselves against the dangerous infection.

School officials say they've handed out around 5,000 free doses of antibiotics in response to the reported cases of the potentially deadly infection.

"They said take the pill, drink some water and you’re all set," said senior Sean Bilodeau.

A female student was hospitalized last week after attending a fraternity party. A male freshman was also hospitalized and receiving treatment on Saturday.

There was no known connection between the two students -- they live in different buildings on campus, don't share any classes and apparently don't know each other, university health officials said.

Bacterial meningitis is a potentially deadly infection of the central nervous system that could result in brain damage and/or hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meningitis is typically spread by saliva or close, prolonged exposure with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, lethargy, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and rash, according to the CDC.

These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness.

"Our patients both had fever, nausea, vomiting and a bad headache," said Susan Kitei, R.N., Lehigh University.

The two students were being treated and were improving as of Monday night, officials said.

Lehigh is a private university in Bethlehem serving around 4,700 undergraduate students.


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