BOSTON -- A student is being treated for bacterial meningitis, Fitchburg State College officials said Tuesday.

The student was in the hospital receiving treatment, the school said in an e-mail to the college community.

The college did not release any information about the infected student, but said people who were in close contact with the person were already being treated, while others who may be at risk were being identified and will be contacted as quickly as possible.

"We're taking all the precautions we can," college President Robert Antonucci told the Fitchburg Sentinel. "We have an action plan in place to address this."

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and symptoms generally include vomiting, fever, skin rash, moderate to severe headache, lethargy and mental confusion, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Bacteria meningitis is spread via close contact involving an exchange of saliva, and is not foodborne or spread by casual contact, such as being with an infected person in class, a residence hall or at a social gathering, according to the DPH.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. It also can be prevented with frequent hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand rubs or gels, the DPH said.

The college is working with the DPH and the Fitchburg Board of Health, and the situation will be monitored for three weeks. Students or faculty who have questions but do not consider themselves at risk, are encouraged to contact the state DPH at 617-983-6800 or their health care provider.