U.W. Student Treated For Meningitis

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) – A University of Wyoming student is being treated in a hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis.

UW Student Health Service Director Dr. Joanne Steane says the student lives off campus and the risk to the campus community is low.

But Steane says as a precaution the university and the Wyoming Department of Health are contacting individuals who have had close, personal contact with the student. These individuals will be offered preventive treatment with the appropriate antibiotic.

Although meningitis can be contagious, it is not as easily spread as the viruses that cause the common cold or influenza. Only some types of meningitis are contagious, and only some types require preventive antibiotics.