MONDAY,AUGUST 16,2004
ON THE HILL
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 11C
MENINGITIS: New vaccine in development
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Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the lining covering the brain and spinal chord. The bacteria is spread by direct contact with an infected person's nose and throat discharges, including coughing, kissing and sharing utensils, Chapstick or cigarettes. One in 10 cases end in fatality, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disease mimics the flu, with symptoms appearing within five to ten days of exposure. Patients may experience severe headaches, high fever, stiff neck or rash.
The disease progresses rapidly, making early detection and treatment imperative for survival. Strother said. Those with two or more symptoms present should go to Watkins or an emergency room immediately.
Bacterial meningitis can have lifelong effects, such as permanent neurological damage, kidney failure, hearing loss, seizures and limb loss.
Viral meningitis, a more common but less serious type of the disease, usually lasts one to two weeks — the body can fight it off without treatment. No vaccine is available for viral meningitis.
Someone infected with meningitis can spread the disease while throat and nose discharges contain the germ. Those who have been in contact with a meningitis patient should see a health-care professional for possible treatment.
For more information on meningitis, visit Watkins Memorial Health Center's Web site, www.ku.edu/~shs/ or call 864-9500.
— Edited by Miranda Lenning
MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS
Early recognition and treatment of meningitis can be the difference between life and death. Because the disease acts quickly and the symptoms are similar to the flu, many don't realize they have the disease until it's too late. If experiencing two or more of the following symptoms, see a physician immediately.
High fever
Headache
Stiff neck
Rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion
Lethargy
Information compiled from the American College
Information compiled from the American College Health Association
Student recovering from meningitis
By Julie Jones
jones@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
A University of Kansas student, who graduated in May, remains in the University of Kansas Hospital recovering from bacterial meningitis.
Andy Marso, St. Cloud, Minn., has lain in a hospital bed since April 28, with a family member always at his bedside.
Andy fell ill with the disease while living in Pearson Scholarship Hall. If his housemate had not taken him to Watkins when they had, Andy might not be alive today.
In surgeries over the last two and a half months, parts of Andy's feet, from below the ball of the foot up, and most of his fingers were amputated. He now waits for skin grafts to take to his feet and hands before starting rehabilitation.
"I am absolutely ready to start rehab," Andy said through e-mail. "It means all the surgeries and recovery from them will be behind me. I
intend to work as hard as I can since the quicker the results, the sooner I can go home from the hospital."
With help from his brother Andy has recently started to explore a voice-activated computer software that allows him to navigate the computer, an essential tool for an aspiring journalist.
"His concentration is not yet at the point where he can use it extensively," said Ginny Marso, Andy's mother. "But it's positive for him to know those things are available to him."
Andy is in pain much of the time, but medications and family support have helped him through it. Ginny said that most of the time he was in good spirits.
"Emotionally, I have gone through some tough moments, such as finding out about losing many of my fingers," Andy said. "I have more good days than bad though."
"I am absolutely ready to start rehab.'
Andy said the hospital staff's care and kindness was a blessing. They even bring him treats when they are off duty. Friends and family
have also helped to make him feel at home in the hospital, he said.
Andy Marso
St. Cloud, Minn., graduate
"I want to say that the one thing I believe has really helped me to this point is the power of prayer," Andy said. "Almost all my visitors say, 'I'll be praying for you.' Many people I don't even know have been praying for me. I feel that's essential to my recovery."
Ginny said she too had depended on the support of friends and family. "All we ask is for continued prayers that God will give him the strength to get through rehab and the wisdom to know when to let him be self-sufficient," she said.
For updates on Andy's progress, visit www.caring-bridge.org/mn/marso/.
Edited by Joe Burke
TUNNELS: System not open to public view
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walking through the tunnel, but decided to turn back after a few minutes. He guessed he went as far as jayhawk Boulevard, passing two or three other hallways along the way.
"I got to where I couldn't see the entrance any longer," Daume said. "I was alone and a little creeped out, so I just turned back. There wasn't anything worth staying for."
In his 17 years at the University, Haidl said he's had few problems with students getting inside the tunnels.
Most don't really know much about them, he said, and the one's that do know there's nothing exciting enough down there to take the risk.
"The more people know
"I got to where I couldn't see the entrance any longer. I was alone and a little creeped out, so I just turned back. There wasn't anything worth staying for."
Ryan Daume Dallas, Tex., senior
about them, the more they want to go down there," he said. "But most know they're not a fun place to play in. And I don't want to have to come in and look for anyone."
Edited by Miranda Lenning
Courtney Kuhlen/KANSAN
A locked metal door guards the entrance to the campus' tunnel system near JRP. Nearly five miles of tunnels wind under campus, accessing nearly every major building on campus.
LEGACY: 'Rock Chalk' chant has appeal
student body.
According to www.kuhistory.com, the original chant read, "Rah, Rah, Jay Hawk, KSU."
At that time KU and KSU were interchangeable and KSU did not refer to Kansas State University, which was known as KSAC.
The words "Rah, Rah" were replaced by "Rock Chalk" a year later, and in 1889 the chant became what it is today.
The cheer became known worldwide.
According to the office of University Relations, former president Teddy Roosevelt pronounced it the greatest college chant he'd ever heard.
It was used by Kansas troops fighting in the Philippines in 1899, in the Boxer Rebellion in China and World War II.
At the Olympic Games in 1920, the King of Belgium asked for a typical American college yell. The assembled athletes agreed on the Rock Chalk
"KU has a 'legacy of excellence' built upon a reputation passed between generations, among siblings and through local Kansas lore."
National Survey of Student Engagement From a study on the traditions of the University of Kansas
Chant and rendered it for His Majesty.
Not only have world leaders found the chant appealing, but the National Survey of Student Engagement found traditions and culture to be one reason students are successful at the University.
The NSSE survey tried to identify and describe the policies, practices and cultures of
colleges that are unusually effective in promoting student success.
The study was done in two sets of visits, Dec. 8 to 11, 2002, and April 20 and 21, 2003.
The report said, "KU has a 'legacy of excellence' built upon a reputation passed between generations, among siblings and through local Kansas lore.
As new generations continue to arrive each year, they will all have an opportunity to participate in the many traditions that the school has created.
Maybe even a few will remember the first time they had the chance to belt out the Rock Chalk Chant themselves.
— Edited by Erik Johnson
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
Challenge.Educate. Empower.
AUGUST 16,2004
Join CCO for a fun-filled day of service activities throughout the Lawrence community as part of our annual Hawk Week Service Project
Saturday, August 21 Kansas Union Lobby 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
405 Kansas Union
Lawrence, KS 65045
(785) 864-4073
cco@ku.edu
Center for Community Outreach www.ku.edu/~cco
Interested in politics? Want to help register voters?
student legislative awareness board
When: 9/1 & 9/2 @ 6 p.m.
Where: The Parlors, Kansas Union
email: slab@ku.edu
phone: 864-3710
Join KU Young Democrats for a Campaign Kick-Off Party featuring:
Governor Kathleen Sebelius Congressman Dennis Moore Congressional Candidate Nancy Boyda
Come to a SLAB Meeting!
Liberty Hall Tuesday, August 31st 8:00 p.m.
$5 Gen. Admission
$10 Gen. Admission plus Special Reception and Photograph with Dignitaries
KU Democrats
http://www.ku.edu/~kudems
STUDENTS PROTECT
Students Protect is working to help and support child victims, fight crimes against children, strengthen child welfare systems, and safeguard communities against predators.
Come by our table at the Info Fair
Contact Nancy Baker @ 393-4741
www.ku.edu/~protect
FIRST MEETING
SEPT. 7 AT 7 P.M.
FOR THE LOCATION OR TO CONTACT US, LOG ON TO
WWW.ADVISING.KU.UE/PUHLAPHADELTA
PADUKANS@YAHOO.COM
MAKE YOUR MARK AT KU Join Student Senate!
First meeting: August 25 The Kansas Union
www.ku.edu/~senate