College Student May Have Meningitis

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 7:54 p.m. ET

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A Saint Louis University student has been hospitalized in critical condition with a suspected case of bacterial meningitis.

Brendan Mooney, a 20-year-old junior business major from Austin, Texas, was hospitalized Saturday with symptoms of the disease, school officials said, without providing details.

``It's life-threatening,'' said Jeff Fowler, a school spokesman. ``We're all praying that he makes a recovery, but critical is critical.''

Tests to confirm the diagnosis are expected Monday. A doctor specializing in infectious diseases said his examination of Mooney left him almost certain he had bacterial meningitis, Fowler said, prompting the school to warn others about the disease.

Bacterial meningitis is spread through coughing, kissing and sharing utensils. Its flulike symptoms can include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck.

The disease kills in roughly 10 percent of cases and can cause serious harm, including brain damage, in another 10 percent. A viral form of meningitis exists but is generally less serious.

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