Dozens at USF treated for possible meningitis

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 23, 2007

TAMPA

Health officials treated about two dozen University of South Florida students who may have come into contact with a student believed to have bacterial meningitis.

The female student lives at a sorority house on campus and became ill Friday morning, university officials said. Friends took her to the hospital Saturday morning.

The student didn't attend classes when she would have been contagious, said Egilda Terenzi, USF's student health services director.

Health officials identified 26 students who may have come into direct contact with her. By Saturday night, most had been treated with a strong antibiotic.

Symptoms for meningitis, a bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord lining, include a stiff neck, high fever, headaches and vomiting.

Students, faculty and staff with questions were referred to USF's Student Health Center, (813) 974-2331.

[Last modified September 23, 2007, 02:28:35]