Meningitis Watch Continues at Lehigh

The Lehigh University Health Center will provide preventative doses of antibiotics and evaluate students with symptoms of meningococcal meningitis from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, according to this update on the health scare on the university’s website.

Two students with remain at , Fountain Hill, and are showing signs of improvement, according to Susan C. Kitei, director of Lehigh’s Health and Wellness Center.

By the end of the day Monday, health staff had administered more than 5,000 doses of preventative antibiotic to members of the community who were concerned about possible exposure. Clinics were held at Lamberton Hall on Sunday and Monday.

With students about to head home for Thanksgiving, Kitei is advising that they seek immediate medical attention if they believe they are developing symptoms during the brief vacation.

“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,” Kitei wrote.

“We will continue to consult with public health authorities and with infectious disease specialists, and will be closely monitoring the situation,” Kitei wrote.