A freshman at Towson University has contracted meningitis and school officials have sent letters to all 15,000 students warning them that they might need to be evaluated by a physician.

The student's condition was diagnosed as meningococcal meningitis yesterday after she had been hospitalized Tuesday, suffering from headaches, stiffness and a sore throat, said Dr. Jane Halpern, health services director at Towson University.

School officials declined to identify the student or describe her condition, but said that she is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority who lives on the third floor of Scarborough Hall dormitory.

Halpern said other members of the sorority, residents of the third floor at Scarborough or anyone who attended a party at the Towson TGIFriday's restaurant Saturday night or a gathering on the second floor of Scarborough before that party are at "possible risk" and should be evaluated at the University's Dowell Health Center.

She said that anyone who had close contact with the victim, such as a roommate, or "saliva contact," which occurs through sharing drinks or food or kissing, since Oct. 15 may be at risk.

Halpern said meningitis symptoms include high fever, sudden severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting and skin rashes.

Pub Date: 10/30/98