Typhoid fever case hits Purdue's campus

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) - Purdue University and State Health officials issued an alert Tuesday night after a worker at the West Lafayette campus tested positive for Typhoid Fever.

University officials said the person who tested positive for the disease was traveling overseas when he or she contracted the illness.

Campus health officials are urging all students and staff to watch for symptoms and seek aid if they dined at any of three restaurants on campus.

"We are concerned, but not alarmed, but we are concerned and we want everyone to know that this one case has been found here," said Purdue University Spokesperson Jeanne Norberg.

Late Tuesday, university and the State Health Department alerted students and staff who may have visited Marriott Hall to eat at the Boiler Bistro, John Purdue Room, or the Lavazza Coffee Shop between Jan. 23 through the 25. It's during these times where officials believe people may have been exposed to the disease.

State Health officials wouldn't say where the food handler worked, but they are urging people who consumed food here at Marriott Hall to see a health professional immediately.

Typhoid Fever is rarely fatal, but health officials said the disease can be treated with antibiotics.  People experiencing the symptoms of a high fever, stomach pains, headache and diarrhea should be alarmed.

"If they have these types of symptoms, they need to seek health care," Norberg said.

Stephanie Cernera didn't know about the health alert.

"At least they are getting it out there and telling people so people can be aware of it," she said.

Cernera said she didn't eat in the hall during the time period, but will take precautions.

"Just in case, I don't want to get sick; and not have to miss class or anything," she said.

Kalen Ney said she's not alarmed.

"I don't really think I'm going to change my regular activities because of this one case," said Ney, "There's nothing I can really do to be honest with you; it hasn't happen often enough to be really really nervous about it and I really haven't had any problems being at Purdue."

The Purdue Health Center is a place where anyone who feels they may have been exposed to the disease can go for medical help.

Although the center normally serves Purdue students, university officials said under these special circumstances it is offering advice or health care without charge to anyone who ate at the Marriott locations on Jan. 23 though the 25 and has symptoms.

The university also said the person who contracted the disease will not return to work until they are cleared by the State Health Department.