A nursing student admitted to the hospital last week with bacterial meningitis is making a steady recovery, health officials said.
Dr. Jean Leuner, dean of the College of Nursing, has been in contact with the student's family and reported on his condition.
"He was going to be moved out of the [intensive care unit], and was helped to get out of bed [Tuesday]," Leuner said, "all excellent signs of progress."
The student's identity has not been released due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
The story brought TV news crews to the UCF campus and attracted attention from mainstream news outlets Monday. In spite of this, students remained calm.
"As alarming as it may seem to everyone, I think I have been relatively calm throughout the process," senior nursing student Scarlett Garcia said. "[I] am more concerned with the health of our fellow classmate."
Cara Arsenault, a 22-year-old pre-nursing student, said she felt the situation was handled with care, and both the College of Nursing and the Health Center reacted swiftly.
"Information is vital and because of their actions, people were able to judge for themselves whether or not they felt they were at risk," Arsenault said.
Dr. Michael Deichen, associate director of Clinical Health Services, also said that the student was recovering and able to get out of bed.
"We hope for the best recovery of the affected student," Deichen said.
The Student Health Center will not be offering the vaccine for meningococcal meningitis at a lower price despite the recent concerns. Deichen said that the Health Center already offers the vaccine at a discounted price.
"Our charges for the Menactra vaccine are close to cost," Deichen said. "We charge $103 and community charges are often in the $125-$140 range."
Menactra is the commercial vaccine currently available. Vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12, Deichen said, but can be administered at any age after that.
Health officials and the College of Nursing continue to monitor the student's condition, and everyone is hoping for a speedy recovery.
"The nursing faculty and students have sent cards and remain concerned about him," Leuner said. "We hope he is able to return to school soon."
If you have questions or concerns about meningitis, contact the Student Health Center at 407-823-2701.
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