Fanshawe student diagnosed with meningococcal disease

On October 17, the Middlesex- London Health Unit advised Fanshawe College that a Fanshawe student had been diagnosed with meningococcal disease. A notice from the Health Unit has been posted on the My Fanshawe staff and student portal.

Meningococcal disease is passed by nose and throat secretions and is not airborne. The disease is a strain of bacteria that consists of two conditions: meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcemia (infection of the bloodstream). Some symptoms include high fever, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, joint pain, confusion and coma.

Fanshawe's Manager of Corporate Communications, Leanne Perrault, advised students not to share lipstick, straws, water bottles, food or anything else that could transfer saliva. Students should read the notice posted on My Fanshawe or visit healthunit.com for more information on meningococcal disease symptoms. "If anybody's feeling like they may have any of the symptoms, are feeling anxious or want more information … they could certainly go to the clinic here, they could go to their own health care provider or they could go to the Health Unit," said Perrault.

The Fanshawe College Health Services Medical Clinic is located in SC1001 and can be reached at 519-452-4230. To contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit, call 519-663-5317.