BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio – Health officials are investigating a suspected case of meningococcal disease in a student at Miami University. The Butler County General Health District announced the suspected case Thursday, stating that they are actively identifying individuals in close contact with the student to provide them with antibiotics. They are also collaborating with the university, Ohio Department of Health, and other partners to conduct contact tracing and raise awareness about the disease.
Miami University released a statement on Thursday evening, revealing that the health district is reaching out to students who may have been in close contact with the ill student in order to provide guidance on symptoms to look for and to administer prophylactic treatment. The disease, although rare, is considered potentially life-threatening and debilitating. It is caused by a type of bacterial infection known as Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, blood infection, septic arthritis, or chronic meningococcemia.
According to University of Virginia infectious disease specialist Dr. Bill Petri, meningococcal disease has the potential to be life-threatening, with approximately 1 out of 10 people dying from it. The disease can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and throat secretions, but it does not transmit through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with the disease has been.
Health officials are urging anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Butler County General Health District at 513-863-1770. Although Miami’s Health Services will not have additional information to share about this specific case, they are available to provide medical care to ill students and can be reached at 513-529-3000 to schedule an appointment.