The school administration of the University of California, Santa Barbara (USCB) is on high alert after the confirmation of the fourth case of meningococcal disease on one of their students. They are now preparing a medical campaign to protect the students from contracting the disease.
The USCB has recorded four cases of the meningococcal disease, but not all are meningitis. However, the news from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is something that they won't take lightly.
Meningitis, which can spread through saliva and close contact, is a type of meningococcal disease that is caused by inflamed membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Since the disease affects the brain and spinal cord, it is considered highly fatal. According to the National Meningitis Association, about 1,500 Americans are infected per year with an 11 percent mortality rate.
According to a CNN report, all four university students was diagnosed with meningococcal disease with the first three were triggered by the type B Bacteria. The fourth is still under observation and testing.
Two of the infected students were able to recover and return to school. UCSB spokesperson George Foulsham said that they are expecting the fourth to recuperate as well.
UCSB authorities and county health officers have reacted promptly. Around 500 to 700 students who are close contacts of the four patients were provided antibiotics to prevent them from developing the disease. Other students who were possibly exposed to the bacteria were also asked to take preventive medication.
Student organizations such as fraternities and sororities are also being requested to avoid organizing activities that would involve gathering large groups in one place, where close contact is possible.
"We're almost certain that they'll go along with that as we head into the holiday period here," he Foulsham told CNN.
The USCB administration is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the County Health department to contain and stop any outbreak.
