Breaking News: Student Hospitalized

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Usl Umbria 1 reported a case of meningococcal meningitis in Perugia. The patient, an 18-year-old student, is currently in intensive care at the Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital. Symptoms first appeared on Friday, April 25, placing the estimated contagion window between April 18 and April 26.

Immediate Response and Inquiry

Health authorities instantly launched an epidemiological investigation, contacting individuals who had close contact with the student. According to health sources, meningococcus is transmitted only through prolonged exposures to the drips of saliva of a patient, and the bacterium is very labile out of the body. Thus, no extraordinary environmental sanitization is necessary.

As of now, no other suspicious cases have been reported in Umbria.

Contact Tracing and Prophylaxis

The hygiene service of Usl Umbria 1 is contacting individuals who may have had close contact with the infected student. This includes family members,friends,and schoolmates. Approximately 50–70 people have been identified for antibiotic prophylaxis.

Authorities emphasize that prophylaxis is only indicated for close contacts in the days preceding the onset of symptoms. It is not necessary for those who had random or fleeting contact with the patient.

Understanding the Risk

Usl Umbria 1 clarified that meningococcus spreads only through tight and prolonged contacts: cohabitants, intimate friends, classmates, or teammates. Simple presence in the same room does not pose a risk.

For those in close contact, specific antibiotic prophylaxis (e.g., Rifampicin or Ceftriaxone) is recommended under medical supervision. Individuals without direct or prolonged relationships are not considered at risk and do not require preventive treatment.

Official Statement on Contagion and Prevention

In an official press release, Usl Umbria 1 stated that Meningococcus meningitis is transmitted exclusively through contacts close from person to person. Experts specify that the germ *neisseria meningitidis* is highly fragile outside the human body; therefore, no extraordinary sanitization of frequented environments is necessary.

The USL also reiterates the importance of vaccination prevention. Meningococcus vaccines (C, ACWY, and B) are recommended and available for free as part of the national vaccination program.

Recognizing Meningococcal Meningitis Symptoms

Meningococcal meningitis can manifest suddenly with:

• Very high fever
• Severe headache
• Stiffness of the neck
• Nausea
• vomiting
• sleepiness
• Mental confusion
• Appearance of red-violacean skin spots (petechiae)

If these symptoms appear, immediately contact an emergency room. Timely intervention is crucial to reduce the risk of serious complications.

What to Do If You’ve Been in Contact

If identified as a close contact,immediately contact your doctor or public hygiene service. If indicated, receive antibiotic prophylaxis.

If symptoms compatible with meningitis appear, go to the hospital immediately, without waiting for the evolution of the clinical picture.

Health authorities recommend adopting simple daily hygiene precautions, such as washing hands often and not sharing glasses or cutlery.

FAQ: Meningococcal Meningitis

How is meningococcal meningitis spread?

Through close and prolonged contact, such as sharing saliva.

What are the main symptoms?

High fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I do if I have been in close contact with someone infected?

Contact your doctor or public hygiene service immediately.

Is there a vaccine?

Yes, vaccines are available and recommended for prevention.

The Bigger Picture: Meningitis Globally

Invasive meningococcal disease remains a life-threatening infection with rapid clinical progression [2]. In 2019, an estimated 2.51 million cases of meningitis occurred globally, resulting in approximately 236,000 deaths. About 13% of these cases were attributed to *Neisseria meningitidis* [2].

While serogroup W was a common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the African meningitis belt between 2010 and 2019, it was later surpassed by serogroup C [1]. Outbreaks, such as the one in Togo in 2016 with nearly 2,000 cases, can cause fluctuations in the prevalence of specific serogroups [1].