A Vanderbilt University undergraduate is being treated for meningococcal bacterial meningitis today after being taken to the Vanderbilt emergency room overnight, according to an alert issued to students, faculty and staff.

The student is in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit. ǃÆǃÆ

Grace Powell, a first-year Arts and Science student and resident of Sutherland Hall on the Commons, was admitted to the hospital around midnight Monday, after she experienced a severe headache, rash and high fever, according to the alert. Powell is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. ǃÆ

Because of federal guidelines, the university does not typically release student health information, but the decision was made to include the name in this case because of larger public health concerns, according to university officials. ǃÆ

Meningococcal bacterial meningitis is a relatively rare but life-threatening infection that is spread by close contact with an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines "contact" as intimate contact (such as kissing), or prolonged, close face-to-face contact, as in the case of a roommate or teammate. "Casual" contacts in the classroom setting or as a spectator at an athletic event would not be considered high-risk contacts. ǃÆ

The risk of infection in contacts can be greatly reduced by taking one tablet of the antibiotic Cipro. There are alternatives for those contacts who are allergic to Cipro. The university is working to retrace Powell's recent activities in order to make appropriate parties aware of her situation and any health risks.

Any students who might have come in close contact with Powell in the last week are urged to come to the Student Health Center to obtain preventive medication free of charge. However, students who have had any contact with Powell, and are concerned, are welcome to come to Student Health for preventive treatment.ÇƒÆ ÇƒÆ

Faculty or staff who might have been exposed should go to Occupational Health Services for free preventive care. Since the meningococcal vaccines do not cover all strains of disease, even those who have had the vaccine should receive the preventive medication if they have had close contact with Powell.ÇƒÆ ÇƒÆ

Anyone experiencing fever and headache should be seen in the Student Health Center or the Vanderbilt Emergency Department. If you have questions, please talk with your RA or call the Student Health Center at 322-2427. ǃÆǃÆ