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I'm not a med student, but I had bacterial meningitis when I was 13. Luckily, my mom was very in tune with my symptoms and got me to ER early enough for me to get quick treatment and suffer no long lasting effects. Here is a good explanation that I found on the web:
Is bacterial meningitis contagious?
Bacterial meningitis is contagious, however, it is not easily transmittable. Indirect or casual contact (such as being in the same room with someone who is infected) is not enough to cause transmission of bacterial meningitis. Direct contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis does increase the likelihood of being exposed to it. This includes direct exposure to oral or nasal secretions, which result from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Therefore, good hygiene practices help prevent its transmission. Do not share eating or drinking utensils.
Who needs preventive antibiotics to protect against bacterial meningitis?
Persons who have had recent intimate or direct exposure to someone with meningococcal disease may be at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease and should receive prophylactic medication. Intimate or direct exposure is through kissing, sharing eating utensils or glassware, or droplet contamination with nose or throat secretions from the infected individual.
I would imagine that her roommate/suitemates would get prophylatic treatment also. I think a party would be high risk for kissing or sharing a glass. The bacteria doesn't live long outside the body so you wouldn't get it from a shower, door knob, etc.
It is characterized by the worst headache you could ever imagine and a stiff neck. I had a temp of 105 and couldn't touch my chin to my chest because my neck was so stiff and that was the reason my mom took me to ER instead of waiting for the doctor appointment that was scheduled for the next day. The worst headache ever...
Dee
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