The Alamance County Health Department says it has been notified of a confirmed case of meningitis in an Elon University student.
The university alerted students and employees Wednesday morning.
Alamance County Health Director Stacie Saunders says that as a precaution, the university and county health department have identified the student's high-risk contacts and reached out to other contacts to provide preventative treatment.
No other cases have been identified.
Meningitis is an irritation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, and can be spread by direct contact with saliva.
Meningitis can be fatal in some cases. Health officials say it's considered a particularly dangerous infection because of the very delicate nature of the brain, and how easily the disease can spread throughout the body.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad