After several Moorpark College students came in contact with a San Diego State student, who later died of a meningitis infection, the Moorpark College Health Department cautioned that the deadly virus can be spread through close personal contact.

The meningococcus bacterium can be spread through close contact that includes kissing, sharing utensils and glasses, or even through speaking closely face-to-face, Moorpark College Health Educator Sharon Manakas said in an email statement.

Former Moorpark High School student Sara Stelzer attended the Moorpark High School Homecoming event on Oct. 10 and fell ill when she returned to her San Diego campus. She was taken off life support on Oct. 18, according to Media Relations Manager for SDSU Beth Chee.

“Several of our MC students had recently been in close contact with their friend (Stelzer) prior to her falling ill,” said Manakas. She said that the San Diego Public Health Department said that all individuals who had been in recent contact were notified and treated prophylactically or preventatively with antibiotics.

According to Manakas, early symptoms include high fever, intense headache, lethargy, a stiff neck, rash, and nausea.

She added that Moorpark College students are safe to attend classes.

“It is safe for our students to be in class without any precautions,” she said in the statement.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that college freshmen who live in dormitories get vaccinated.

Vaccines can be obtained from primary care providers or local public health departments. The Student Health Center does not carry this vaccine, Manakas said.