250 exposed to meningitis at Ind. State ATO party

[hoosier]

Students flock to ISU Health Center: University treats about 250 students who may have been exposed to meningitis

By Sue Loughlin/Tribune-Star
An Indiana University freshman from Terre Haute who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis was listed in critical condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon, a hospital spokesman said.
Meanwhile, both Indiana State and Indiana universities continued providing preventive treatment to students who might have come in contact with the woman and may be at some risk of contracting the disease.
Both universities notified their campuses Monday about the potential health concern after they became aware of the student's illness.
The 18-year-old woman attended a party Friday night in Terre Haute at the ISU Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house, and about 200 people attended, including members of five ISU fraternities and sororities, ISU officials reported.


After ISU learned of the situation Monday morning, the Student Health Center used a guest list from the ATO party to contact students who may have been exposed.
"Only those who were at the social function need preventive treatment. No one else needs treatment," ISU officials said in a news release.
On Monday, the ISU Health Center remained open until at least 7 p.m. to give the preventive treatment to about 250 students who had attended the party, ISU officials said.
The students received one Cipro pill, an antibiotic, said Fran Drake, Health Center director. Others students seeking preventive treatment went to the Health Center on Tuesday, but in much smaller numbers.
Representatives of the Vigo County Health Department went to ISU and assisted health center staff in treating students, said Joni Foulkes, the department's health educator.

At one point the health center ran out of the antibiotic and had to buy more, Drake said.
Some students may have sought treatment at area hospitals or health clinics, Drake said. The health center also received calls from concerned parents as well as ISU students who didn't attend the party but wanted more information.
"Most people were very calm," Drake said, but some students were upset. "We've tried to put them at ease."
On Monday evening, Indiana University Health Center staff met with students at Briscoe Quadrangle, the residence hall of the critically ill student.
A team discussed symptoms and risks of infection and dispensed Cipro to those who believed they were at risk.

About 150 students showed up at the residence hall to learn more about the disease, and about 82 of them elected to take Cipro as a precaution, said Hugh Jessop, IU Health Center director. "Others realized they were not at risk," he said.