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Health, Science & Environment

1,300 Ohio State students may have been exposed to illness that can cause meningitis

An Ohio State University sign.
Angie Wang
/
AP

About 1,300 Ohio State University students may have been exposed to an illness that can cause meningitis.

The university confirms a student tested positive for meningococcal disease last week, which is an infection caused by a bacteria that can lead to the development of meningitis.

Meningitis is an infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria can also lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and other illnesses.

Columbus Public Health says it's not known how the student contracted the disease.

Ohio State is offering any students who were potentially exposed a single dose of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin at the Wilce Student Health Center.

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Health, Science & Environment meningitismeningococcalillness