A 22-year-old senior at the University of Massachusetts has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The student, a male from Dorchester, Mass., is hospitalized at Hartford Hospital and listed in critical condition.

According to University sources, the student went to University Health Service on Monday, Nov. 4, complaining about feeling ill. The student was transferred to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Cooley Dickinson started the student on antibiotics and transferred him to Hartford Hospital. According to www.medterms.com, symptoms of bacterial meningitis include high fever, headache and a stiff neck. Nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness are other potential symptoms. In its later stages, patients with meningitis may have seizures.

The diagnosis is confirmed by examining a sample of spinal fluid obtained by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Treatment is started as early as possible. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15%, although the risk is higher among the elderly.

Bacterial meningitis is spread through respiratory and throat secretions. Anyone within contact of a patient’s oral secretions and anyone living within the same household is at risk of contracting the disease.

The student’s close friends and family have been contacted and are currently being treated with antibiotics.

– Dan Lamothe