No other meningitis cases have been reported in San Luis Obispo County following the death of a Cuesta College student last month from the infection.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department says the window of risk for infection related to the case is now closed.
Cuesta College said the male student believed to be a recent high school graduate did not come to class Feb. 13 because he was feeling ill. He reportedly died early the next morning.
His name has not been released.
Following the student’s death, Public health officials worked with local hospitals, the college and people who had close contact with him.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can be spread through kissing, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or other prolonged, very close contact. It is not readily transmitted through casual contact or through the air.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually include a sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to the flu and may also include nausea, vomiting, rash, confusion, and increased sensitivity to light.
Anyone with symptoms of bacterial meningitis should seek medical care immediately. It can be treated with antibiotics.
There are also two types of vaccines available to protect against the illness.
