Meningococcal disease can cause both a systemic (rapidly progressing flu-like) illness or an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, commonly known as bacterial meningitis.
The spread of meningococcal disease typically requires close contact with an infected person. It is not easily spread airborne like the flu or common cold. A vaccine is available for meningococcal disease, though the current vaccine does not protect against all strains.
Ingham County Health Department Director Renee Canady said MSU students and community members should not panic as the illness requires extremely close contact to be contracted.
"We're talking about kissing and drinking after someone, sharing utiensels," Canady said. "Very intimate contact, not sitting next to someone in an auditorium classroom."
Common symptoms of meningococcal disease include flu-like symptoms, sore throat and a fever that rapidly becomes more severe, unlike most respiratory illnesses. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Students who are experiencing symptoms should contact the Olin Student Health Center nurse line at 517-353-5557 or their health care provider.
Those who become ill rapidly should go to the emergency room, health officials said.
Health officials said MSU students can visit https://immunize.msu.edu/ to check the vaccinations they self-reported as required by MSU.
Students, as well as faculty and staff, also can contact their health care provider for updated information.
Members of the MSU community also should foster a healthy immune system by practicing good health habits, including diligent hand-washing, getting plenty of rest and eating right, health officials said. Students also can help by checking on friends and neighbors who may be ill and encouraging them to get evaluated.
Visit the CDC website for questions about the disease or more general information.
Canady said officials expect to have the student's cause of death confirmed Saturday.