A University of Idaho student is believed to have contracted bacterial meningitis. 

The university contacted the North Central District Health Department and is working with officials to identify close contacts of the ill student.  Health officials advise antibiotics for those living in the same house with the student and anyone who could have shared saliva or been exposed to nasal secretions.  Early treatment may effectively get rid of the bacteria. 

The department issued a reminder that children between the ages of 11 and 18 and any college freshman living in a dormitory should be vaccinated. 

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and around the brain.  Symptoms include fever, severe headache, chills, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, joint and muscle pain and the possibility of a red or purple rash.  

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.