Approximately 1,300 Ohio State students might have been exposed to meningitis after a student tested positive for meningococcal disease last week. Kelli Newman, director of public affairs and communications at Columbus Public Health, said the student in question was diagnosed with meningococcal disease, an infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. This bacteria can lead to the development of meningitis — an infection of the lining that surrounds one’s brain and spinal cord — as well as bloodstream infections, pneumonia and other illnesses, Newman said. Columbus Public Health does not know exactly how the student contracted the disease, Newman said. 📸 Students who were potentially exposed to the disease that may lead to meningitis were offered a single dose of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, which can be administered at the Wilce Student Health Center, shown here Monday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor