Another Case of Meningococcal Disease in the Chippewa Valley

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This information is being distributed to all UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff and students.
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There has been another case of meningococcal disease in the Chippewa Valley. A Chippewa Falls High School student died today. Student Health Service also learned that the Chippewa Valley Technical College student now recovering from meningitis had a different strain than the one that killed UW-Eau Claire student Sean Coleman. Therefore, it is known for certain that there was no relationship between those two cases. There is probably no link with the Chippewa Falls case, though this is not yet known.

The highest likelihood is that these cases are unrelated and just a coincidence. The likelihood of the disease spreading is thus extremely small. An immunization program is still not recommended. Nevertheless, we realize that students are understandably fearful.

Therefore, Student Health Service will be open Friday evening and Saturday to answer questions and administer the Menomune vaccine to those UWEC students who desire the vaccination. The vaccine does cover Types C and Y, the two types that have been identified. Concerned students and parents can call the hotline (836-5955) tonight until 8:00 PM and tomorrow, April 27 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

On the very small chance that a student comes down with meningococcal disease, the most likely symptoms will be very severe headache accompanied by persistent vomiting and fever. Such symptoms, of course, will demand medical attention.

  News Bureau

Updated: April 29, 2002