UTA Policy on Meningitis

STUDENTS (including continuing education and distance learning)

Students who have been exposed to a known case of meningitis should consult a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are present. If the student does not have access to a physician, they may present to Health Services for diagnosis and treatment.

Students who live in UTA Housing should not return to campus housing or classes until cleared by a physician or UTA Health Services. Students will be individually responsible for making arrangements with their instructors for class-related issues, and with UTA Housing for off-campus residence issues during the waiting period.

FACULTY/STAFF (including new employees, student workers, teaching and research assistants, and temporary employees)

Those who have been exposed to a known source of meningitis should remain off campus until obtaining clearance from a physician or UTA Health Services.

PREPARATION AND TREATMENT

UTA Health Services in conjunction with the Environmental Health and Safety Office have implemented preparation and control protocols should anyone with meningitis present for treatment or should a case arise on campus.

UTA Health Services has coordinated with local and county healthcare officials and providers to assure that appropriate measures are implemented for treatment of individuals diagnosed with meningitis.

UTA Housing Office has developed an emergency plan of action for possible isolation or quarantine should anyone residing in University housing be diagnosed with meningitis.

CONTROL STRATEGIES

The University recommends that faculty/staff and students limit contact with known meningitis sources. Anyone suspecting they have been exposed to meningitis should consult a physician as soon as possible.

A faculty/staff or student who becomes symptomatic after exposure to a known meningitis source should seek medical care immediately, and remain off campus until diagnosis has been made and clearance given by a healthcare provider.

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY

Nothing in this policy may be construed to impose liability upon the state, the State Department of Public Health, the County Health Departments, The University of Texas at Arlington or any officer of The University of Texas at Arlington for damages resulting from an infectious disease screening, monitoring, and/or treatment plan.