Meningitis Outbreak Hits UPenn

ABC News On Campus Roving Reporter Bradley Blackburn blogs: Headaches, nausea and lethargy: They’re symptoms many undergrads would just shrug off as part of college life.  But they’re actually some of the warning signs for bacterial meningitis – a deadly disease that can thrive on campuses.  An outbreak of meningitis at the University of Pennsylvania is reminding students across the country that they’re at risk.  At least three UPenn students were hospitalized last week with meningitis infections, and two others are under watch with flu-like symptoms. The infected undergraduates were all part of the same group of friends.  They’re now in either good or fair condition, but the University is still taking major steps to contain the outbreak.  More than 3,000 students have been given antibiotics, and the university is especially concerned about members of fraternities and sororities. Last Friday, UPenn canceled all student parties as a precaution. Meningitis can spread easily on college campuses.  Activities like sharing utensils or kissing can transmit the disease.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bacterial meningitis can be treated effectively with antibiotics — as long as doctors catch it early.  For a list of symptoms, CLICK HERE to go to the CDC’s Web site.