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Eighth Student at Princeton University Diagnosed With Meningitis

By Kamal Nayan | Update Date: Nov 23, 2013 12:01 PM EST

A new case of meningitis has occurred in the Princeton University. So far, seven students have already been diagnosed with this fatal infection since March. Patients suffering from meningitis suffer from the swelling of the brain and spinal cord.

Tests will be conducted by health officials to figure out the relationship of the latest case with the ones that were diagnosed earlier. The current status of the student is yet to be received from the officials at the New Jersey Ivy League.

The latest case has appeared just after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the university to use an imported vaccine to control the infection.

The previous cases at the Ivy League school were caused by the meningococcal bacteria known as serogroup B. State law requires all Princeton students living in the dormitories to receive a meningitis vaccine that protects against most strains but not the serogroup B variety, reports Reuters.

Reportedly, Bexsero which is manufactured by Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG will be provided to all undergraduate and graduate students.

“Everyone involved is working hard to organize a potential serogroup B meningococcal disease vaccine campaign as quickly as possible that fits into Princeton University’s academic calendar,” said CDC spokeswoman Sharon Hoskins, according to Reuters.

Meningitis is a lethal infection that can spread through coughing and exchanging saliva. People who are living in a group in dormitories or other densely populated areas are at considered high risk.

Common symptoms of Meningitis include fever, headache and stiff neck.

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