Health Advisory Update Monday, Nov. 21 4:45 p.m.

(Updated 11/21 4:45 p.m.) The two students who have confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis remain at St. Luke’s Hospital and are continuing to improve. There have been no new or suspected cases reported.

As a public health precaution, Lehigh University offered free antibiotics to the entire campus community in Lamberton Hall for the second straight day. By end of day Monday, Nov. 21st, 5,118 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  Lehigh University Health Center will be open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Students who have not yet obtained the antibiotic should call the Health Center at 610-758-3870. Students who need medical attention when the Health Center is closed are advised to contact the Lehigh University Police Department at 610-758-4200.

Students who go home for the Thanksgiving break should seek medical attention if they are concerned they are developing signs and symptoms of meningitis. Common early symptoms include fever, severe sudden headache, lethargy, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and rash. The rash may begin as a flat, red eruption, mainly on the arms and legs.

We will continue to consult with public health authorities and with infectious disease specialists, and will be closely monitoring the situation. We will keep the campus community informed of any new developments.

We would like to again express our gratitude for the cooperation and support of our students in responding to our recommendation to receive the preventive antibiotic, and to the numerous volunteers who assisted in helping us administer more than 5,000 doses over the course of the past two days.

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