A Cornell University student has been hospitalized with probable meningococcal meningitis.

The student, a 19-year-old male freshman, was examined March 1 by physicians at Gannett: Cornell University Health Services. He was transferred immediately to Cayuga Medical Center, where he remains in intensive care.

Tompkins County Health Department officials are contacting persons with whom the student recently has been in close contact to arrange the delivery of preventive medication where advisable, said Dr. Janet Corson-Rikert, director of Gannett. No other cases at Cornell have been identified to date.

Meningococcal disease, a rare but serious infectious disease, usually occurs in isolated cases in children or young adults, but has some potential in a campus setting to occur in multiple individuals. Corson-Rikert explains that meningococcal infections are spread by close contact with nose or throat secretions of an infected person. While the bacteria can be transmitted through close personal contact, such as sharing utensils, drinks, lipstick, lip balm or cigarettes; kissing on the lips; or sneezing or coughing on someone, it can only survive for a few minutes outside the body and is not transmitted casually.

The disease develops within the first several days of exposure in most cases. At any given time, up to 10 percent of the population carries the germ without illness, and physicians theorize that variations in individuals' immune response may determine which persons develop serious illness. Meningococcal disease generally is treated with antibiotics and hospitalization.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash and mental-status alterations. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care, Corson-Rikert advises. The American College Health Association and the Center for Disease Control recommend that college students consider getting the meningococcal vaccination to reduce the risk of infection. Students can receive the vaccination at Gannett this weekend or call Gannett at 255-5155 to schedule a vaccination appointment. The $75 fee may be charged to bursar bills.

Students with concerns about illness should contact Gannett at (607) 255-5155. For information about meningococcal disease and public health concerns, contact the Tompkins County Health Department at (607) 274-6604.