Princeton University Battling Meningitis Outbreak

Health officials have confirmed that Princeton University is trying to contain an outbreak of bacterial meningitis that has sickened several students.

The New Jersey Department of Health said it has confirmed seven cases of meningococcal disease at Princeton, with all but one of the cases involving students.

Meningitis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Meninges are the three layers of membrane that cover the brain and infection of the cerebrospinal fluid between them causes meningitis the disease of the meninges.

The meningitis has been identified as "Type B," which is not covered by the standard vaccine commonly administered to students in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is making an experimental vaccine available to Princeton, and officials at the northeastern US university said they are in the process of deciding whether to administer it to students.

"This is a question we have been considering very carefully. We will be discussing it with our trustees this weekend, and when we have something to announce we will make an announcement," university spokesman Martin Mbugua told AFP on Saturday.

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Located in the state of New Jersey, Princeton is considered among America's premier universities and has an enrollment of some 8,000 students.

Meningitis can progress rapidly within hours of the onset of symptoms, and if untreated can lead to shock or death.