
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 1997             TAG: 9710140273

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MARIE JOYCE and Matthew Bowers, staff writers 

                                            LENGTH:  100 lines

MENINGITIS GERM MAKES UNIVERSITY STUDENT SICK NEWEST CASE NOT RELATED TO EARLIER ONE, NORFOLK HEALTH DIRECTOR SAYS.

NORFOLK - A second young person has developed meningococcal disease, a health official said Monday, although the victim apparently has no connection to a Lake Taylor High School senior who got sick the weekend of Oct. 4.

Dr. Valerie Stallings, Norfolk health director, declined to release any details about the identity or condition of the most recent victim, who attends Norfolk State University. She said only that the student got sick at the end of last week, was hospitalized and is expected to recover.

Even though the two cases aren't directly related, their appearance in quick succession probably means that the deadly bacterium is circulating in the community more than usual these days, said Stallings.

Although the cases do not represent an outbreak, she said, people should be aware that the disease is around and be alert for symptoms.

Early signs usually include sudden high fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting and sometimes a reddish-purple rash.

The roommates and family members of the Norfolk State student have been put on a preventive dose of rifampin, an antibiotic.

Other university students have been alerted with the help of Norfolk Community Hospital, which provides health services for the school, said Phillip Brooks, hospital president.

Students were informed Friday by fliers labeled ``Important Health Alert'' that were slid under their dormitory room doors, said students and school administrators.

The fliers, from the office of the vice president of student affairs, Arthur R. Jackson, emphasized that the infection is spread only by close contact, such as kissing, being exposed to sneezing or coughing, or drinking from the same container.

More detailed information, including symptoms of meningococcal infection, was available at the front desks of the dorms.

Since notices went out, some students have gone to Norfolk Community Hospital for examinations. Others saw private doctors or went directly to the health department, Brooks said. No other infections had been diagnosed as of Monday, he said.

Students were told no details about the recent case, such as whether the infected student was a man or woman, a commuter or lived in a dorm.

``She might be in my class,'' said Sherita Gullette, a freshman from Philadelphia.

``People are saying, `I can't believe this, I can't believe this. I'm going to get myself checked.' ''

But she didn't know of anyone who had sought medical attention, Gullette said.

The Lake Taylor High School student who became sick a week before also has not been identified, and officials at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters have declined to release information about his condition.

The meningococcal bacteria are always in the environment. As much as half the population may carry the bacteria in their noses and throats.

Most people are not susceptible to the disease. But, for reasons that doctors don't understand, some people can get very sick.

A few isolated cases are reported here every year. As of the end of September, two other instances had been reported in Norfolk and four elsewhere in South Hampton Roads this year, according to the state health department.

Last year, the infection struck one person in Norfolk and eight in other South Hampton Roads cities.

Meningococcal bacteria attack in one of two ways: They can enter the nervous system, causing meningitis - swelling of the tissue surrounding the brain.

Or they may enter the bloodstream, causing meningococcemia, a blood infection. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

ABOUT THE DISEASE

How is the meningococcal bacterium spread?

It is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions.

The bacteria die quickly on environmental surfaces, like tables and

clothing.

The carrier doesn't have to be someone who is actually sick.

What does it do?

Many people carry around this germ in their noses and throats

without getting sick.

Those who do get sick may suffer a blood infection or meningitis,

inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain.