4th student contracts meningitis at UC Santa Barbara

This micrograph depicts the presence of aerobic Gram-negative Neisseria meningitidis diplococcal bacteria (CDC.gov)

Authorities say a fourth student has come down with meningitis at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where an outbreak of the bacterial illness cost one undergraduate both of his feet.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department announced Monday that all four students became ill last month.

His family has said that Aaron Loy, a freshman lacrosse player, had both feet amputated two weeks when the disease affected the blood supply to his limbs.

He remains hospitalized.

More than 300 students who had contact with the ill students have been given antibiotics.

Bacterial meningitis can be spread through kissing, coughing or prolonged contact. Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting.