Recent U of I graduate in critical condition with meningitis

CHAMPAIGN -- A recent graduate of the University of Illinois is in critical condition with meningitis, a week after a student at the school was hospitalized with the disease.

University spokeswoman Robin Kaler wouldn't identify the former student but confirms he's hospitalized. He has meningococcal meningitis, a contagious and potentially lethal brain or spinal inflammation.

Kaler says campus officials are investigating the possibility that the cases are related. Students who were in close contact with the recent grad have been contacted and will be treated with an antibiotic.

Kaler says the student hospitalized last week has been released and is expected to fully recover.