Health officials urging for vaccinations during meningitis cases

Third UW-Madison student hospitalized due to meningitis

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against a contagious disease causing concerns in Madison this week.

Multiple students at UW-Madison contracted meningitis recently, with a third student being hospitalized last week. Health experts here in La Crosse say scares from contagious diseases like meningitis remind us why vaccinations are a vital part of a person’s health.

“Being within three feet of someone, we consider that the droplet zone, so if you’re within three feet of somebody, if you can reach out and touch someone, you’re close enough to get it,” said Gundersen Health System Infection Preventionist Marilyn Michels.

If you are unsure if you have been immunized against something like meningitis your health provider should have a copy of your immunization records available.