Dear Kent State University Students, Faculty and Staff,
We are writing to inform you of an important health matter affecting our Kent Campus community. A Kent State student residing in Lake Hall has been diagnosed with a serious bacterial infection called Neisseria meningitidis and is currently receiving medical care. We are sharing this information to keep you informed and to provide guidance on this situation.
The student sought care and is receiving appropriate medical treatment. The Kent City Health Department is coordinating closely with University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, Kent State and the Ohio Department of Health to ensure all appropriate health protocols are being followed.
Next Steps
The Kent City Health Department has identified and directly contacted all individuals who had close contact with this student. Those individuals have been provided preventative antibiotics as a precautionary measure following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
If you have NOT been contacted by the Kent City Health Department, you are not considered a close contact and do not need preventative treatment. The risk to the broader campus community is very low.
For Lake Hall Residents
Students living on the same floor as this student in Lake Hall have received a notification from the Kent City Health Department and may contact the health department if they have questions. The residence hall room and common areas in Lake Hall are being cleaned and disinfected following enhanced protocols. University Housing staff are available to answer residents’ questions.
Understanding Neisseria Meningitidis
The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are transmitted from person to person by respiratory secretions or saliva. Specifically, close contacts are people who have shared food, saliva or respiratory secretions (coughing, kissing or drinking out of the same cup). Roommates or suitemates who share the same immediate living space for a prolonged period of time are also close contacts and are treated with antibiotics preventively.
The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria is less contagious than the flu and other viral illnesses. When this bacterium is identified in the bloodstream, called meningococcemia, it is very serious. Symptoms of meningococcemia are sudden onset of fever, chills, severe aches or pains in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and a rash.
The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria may also cause bacterial meningitis. Symptoms of Neisseria meningitis are fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion and vomiting.
Important: Brief, casual contact such as being in the same classroom or dining hall does not constitute close contact for this type of infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop ANY of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- During business hours: Contact DeWeese Health Center at 330-672-2322.
- After hours or in an emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Student health and safety are our top priorities. DeWeese Health Center staff are monitoring the situation and prepared to respond to any concerns. We have established protocols for responding to communicable disease cases and work closely with local and state health departments on all such situations.
We understand this news may cause concern. Please know that health officials have taken swift action to protect our community, and the risk to those who were not identified as close contacts remains very low.
If you have questions, please contact DeWeese Health Center at 330-672-2322.
Sincerely,
Eboni Pringle, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Student Life