University of Rochester Student Diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The University of Rochester student diagnosed with bacterial meningitis is out of the hospital, and Monroe County public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Bacterial meningitis has a mortality rate of between 10 and 15 percent, but if detected early, it can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis is spread through such acts as kissing, or coughing. 
 
Students at the U of R were notified in an email from University Health Services.  

Health officials say between 60 and 70 people were screened after prolonged direct contact with the affected student.
 
"Roomates, suitemates, boyfriend, girlfriend - those are the people that we're most worried about. Someone who's sitting next to this person in class we're not worried about," said John Ricci, Monroe County Department of Public Health.

The unnamed student was treated at Strong Memorial Hospital.