Recent Incidents
Please check back frequently for updated information.
Important Health Advisory: Neisseria Meningitis Exposure South of Campus
12:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 24—Public Health Update from Chico State
Please see the latest information below about both the tuberculosis and meningitis cases affecting our community.
Tuberculosis
Butte County Public Health (BCPH) has followed up with the person suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) last week. Confirming active TB requires multiple tests and can take up to eight weeks. In the meantime, BCPH will proceed with working to identify and contact anyone who is considered to have had prolonged close contact with the person.
BCPH will notify anyone who may have met the threshold for exposure via phone as soon as possible with information about how and when to get tested. Based on preliminary analysis, we believe the number of people who have met the threshold (close, prolonged contact) and will be advised to get tested will be a very small percentage of our campus community.
As mentioned last week, the individual is currently in isolation and receiving treatment and support services from the University.
Neisseria Meningitis
Because the symptoms for Neisseria meningitis can take 2–10 days to appear, the University is monitoring this situation closely and encourages all members of the campus community to pay close attention to their health and not share anything that comes into contact with someone’s mouth. In general, anyone who does not show symptoms 14 days after exposure is in the clear; however, we advise everyone to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention as appropriate.
To support our students, the WellCat Health Center:
- is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday with the ability to bring in additional medical personnel to accommodate student demand.
- has ordered additional antibiotics, and prophylactic treatments are available for students for less than $10 via the WellCat Health Center pharmacy.
We encourage any student who attended the fraternity parties (Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Theta Chi, and Kappa Sigma) during the weekend of April 12–13 to consider visiting the health center. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms consistent with Neisseria meningitis (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck) should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible to seek treatment.
We understand these public health concerns may cause anxiety and added stress as we near the end of the semester. We appreciate everyone who is taking this seriously.
The University will send updates on both situations as necessary.
1:40 p.m. Saturday, April 20—WellCat Health Center Open on Sunday for Meningitis Consultations
In response to the meningitis exposure to our campus community, the WellCat Health Center (601 Warner St.) will open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, to be available to students who may have been exposed, need to seek treatment, or simply have questions.
We are asking any student who attended a party last weekend either Friday or Saturday (April 12–13) nights at Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Theta Chi, and Kappa Sigma and/or who is experiencing symptoms consistent with meningitis (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck) to consider visiting the health center tomorrow. Those who are experiencing symptoms should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Remember, many students have been vaccinated as part of the CSU’s immunization recommendations and meningitis is not spread by casual contact (e.g., shaking hands, touching doorknobs) or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningococcal disease has been. It is spread through close, direct contact with the respiration and saliva of someone carrying the active bacteria. This type of contact can occur from coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, kissing, and being in close proximity for an extended period of time.
For this reason, we strongly encourage students to refrain from sharing anything that comes in contact with their mouth. This means cups or drinking glasses, straws, eating utensils, towels, cosmetics, toothbrushes, pipes, vapes and cigarettes.
Again, be extra vigilant about your health due to this disease in our community. Prioritize your health and well-being and utilize the resources available if you have concerns or symptoms. The WellCat Health Center is also scheduled to be open for regular hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday this week.
7 p.m. Friday, April 19—Neisseria Meningitis Exposure South of Campus
Butte County Public Health notified the University and issued a press release late this afternoon indicating a visitor to Chico has tested positive for Neisseria Meningitis, a bacteria that causes meningococcal disease, a life-threatening illness.
The individual, who is not a student and not from the area, reported they spent time in the neighborhoods south of campus last weekend, including attending parties on both Friday and Saturday (April 12–13) nights at Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Theta Chi, and Kappa Sigma.
Neisseria Meningitis is spread from person to person through respiratory and oral secretions (saliva or spit) as the result of coughing, kissing, or coming into close contact with someone who is sick with the bacteria. Individuals who were at parties at those locations need to be aware of their potential exposure to this serious illness and take the following actions:
- Notify your primary healthcare provider or the WellCat Health Center of your potential exposure, regardless of vaccination status.
- Monitor for symptoms of meningitis, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, or altered mental status. Symptoms can develop over several hours or may take a few days. The incubation period can be 2 to 10 days.
- Confirm with your parents/guardians if you received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) as a child. If you have been vaccinated, it reduces the likelihood you will contract the illness, but it is not 100% effective, and you still should be on the lookout for symptoms. The California State University requires the meningococcal conjugate vaccine as part of its enrollment immunization requirements (PDF).
- Refrain from sharing drinking glasses, smoking materials, eating utensils, or anything else that comes in contact with the mouth.
Beginning Monday, the WellCat Health Center will be open for student patients. Any student who begins to feel symptoms over the weekend should contact their primary care provider or visit urgent care immediately. Doctors treat meningococcal disease with a number of antibiotics. It is important that treatment starts as soon as possible.
We know after this week’s earlier message about the potential case of active tuberculosis, a second communication about a different communicable illness is concerning. Also know that other common illnesses are present in our community, such as COVID-19, the flu, and seasonal allergies. However, we recommend you be extra vigilant. Any health concerns should be treated seriously and tested for accordingly. There are numerous resources in our community, including:
- Enloe Prompt Care: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week; 888 Lakeside Village Commons, Chico; 530-332-6850
- WellCat Health Center: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F 601 Warner Street
- Enloe Health (emergency room): Open 24 hours a day 1531 Esplanade (Enter at W. Fifth Ave.)
Please prioritize your health and well-being, and don't hesitate to utilize the provided resources if you have concerns or symptoms.