Health Advisory Update Monday, Nov. 21 11:25 a.m.

The two students who have confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis are being treated at St. Luke's Hospital and continue to show signs of improvement today. There have been no new or suspected cases reported. As a public health precaution, Lehigh University is offering free antibiotics to the entire campus community in Lamberton Hall for the second straight day.

As of 11:25 a.m. Monday, 4,516 doses of the antibiotics (one 500 mg dose of Cipro taken orally or an alternative taken orally) were administered to members of the Lehigh community. The clinic to administer the prophylactic dose of the antibiotic at Lamberton Hall continues today through 4 p.m. Anyone interested in receiving the antibiotic (including students, faculty and staff) is encouraged to complete the consent form before going to Lamberton. Medical staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice.

Although there have been no new cases, a number of students with symptoms have been evaluated. Our medical staff, in consultation with public health authorities and with experts in infectious diseases, is closely monitoring the situation and is following established medical protocols. We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments.

Please note that meningitis is typically spread only through close contact such as shared saliva, or prolonged contact with a person who is infected.  It is not spread through casual contact such as being present in the same classroom or eating in the same dining hall.

Students who are at home should seek advice from their family doctor or go to a medical center to make them aware of the situation and receive a preventive treatment for meningococcal meningitis, a type of bacterial meningitis.

We greatly appreciate the cooperation on the part of our students and for the support of staff and faculty who enthusiastically responded to our call for volunteers to assist at the clinic.

Susan C. Kitei, M.D.
Director, Health and Wellness Center