UPDATE 5/4/16 @ 10:30 a.m.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Cabell County Health Department is investigating a case of bacterial meningitis at Marshall University.

Tuesday, the university reported a student had been hospitalized after becoming sick over the weekend.

The Health Department says an epidemiologist is putting together a timeline of events the student was involved in and Tuesday they started contacting other students who may have come in contact with the student who has been hospitalized.

Those who have come in contact with the student will receive a medicine called prophylaxis, which is a step to prevent the spread of meningitis if someone has been exposed.

Cabell Huntington Health Officials will be on campus from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions or concerns from students, faculty and staff in the Counseling Center on the 1st flood of Pritchard Hall.

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

While the CDC reports that bacterial meningitis is contagious, it is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where an infected individual has been. The disease is usually transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory secretions such as when coughing, sharing drinks, kissing or being in close contact with someone affected for an extended period of time.

A course of antibiotics is normally recommended for those who have had such contact with an individual with a confirmed diagnosis. Antibiotics are not recommended for casual classroom contact.

For more more information on meningitis, click the link.

ORIGINAL STORY 5/3/16

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A Marshall University student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, according to a news release from the university.

The university reports that the student has been hospitalized since Monday after becoming sick during the weekend.

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

University health officials are responding immediately to help ensure the safety of the university community per guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, the university reports.

While the CDC reports that bacterial meningitis is contagious, it is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where an infected individual has been. The disease is usually transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory secretions such as when coughing, sharing drinks, kissing or being in close contact with someone affected for an extended period of time.

A course of antibiotics is normally recommended for those who have had such contact with an individual with a confirmed diagnosis. Antibiotics are not recommended for casual classroom contact.

People who may have been in sustained, close contact with the Marshall student are being identified, screened and advised if they should begin a dosage of preventative antibiotics.

Bacterial meningitis is treatable but requires immediate medical attention.

According to the CDC, symptoms typically develop within three to seven days after exposure and include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, sleepiness, increased sensitivity to light and altered mental state. Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.