The Butler County General Health District informed Miami University today of a suspected case of meningococcal disease on the Oxford campus. While meningococcal disease can be very serious and potentially life-threatening, it is rare, and the overall risk to our Miami community is low.

Meningococcal disease spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva or spit, most typically through kissing, sharing food, or living together. People do not catch it through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. Meningococcal disease is treatable with antibiotics; it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you have the listed symptoms (e.g., fever, stiff neck, headache).

With Miami's support, the Butler County General Health District is contacting students who may have been in close contact with the ill student to provide guidance on what symptoms to look for and to provide prophylactic treatment. If you do not hear from the Butler County General Health District, you can assume that you were not identified as a high-risk close contact.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) is very effective at protecting against four strains of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria. MenACWY is on the list of required vaccinations for Miami students living on campus, though some students have approved medical or non-medical exemptions.

Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the Butler County General Health District at 513-863-1770. Although Miami’s Health Services will not have additional information to share about this specific case, they are available to provide medical care to ill students. Call 513-529-3000 to schedule an appointment.