Testudo peers over McKeldin Mall in this night long exposure. Charlie DeBoyace/The Diamondback
With 19 cases of viral meningitis confirmed as of Wednesday and numbers likely on the rise, campus is stirring with talks of an epidemic overtaking the university.
Luckily for us, this is unlikely. But could meningitis affect the life and soul of the campus — our very own Testudo? Or worse — his nose?
Sort of, reports say. University Health Center Director David McBride weighed in.
“You can theoretically get an infection from touching any surface, then touching your face (nose, mouth, eyes), so it is always advised to clean your hands after touching any surface that is commonly touched by others,” McBride wrote in an email.
Testudo’s nose, which is arguably among the most highly touched spots on campus, is lovingly rubbed by hundreds, if not thousands, of students daily. This makes it a hot spot for germs, and potentially meningitis.
“So, give Testudo your love and clean your hands with hand sanitizer right after,” McBride wrote.
Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis but still dangerous enough to strike fear in the hearts of college students with weakened immune systems. Viral meningitis has symptoms similar to the flu, but cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is a virus.
However, this has seemingly not stopped students from flocking to the beloved turtle.
Junior family sciences major Yesu Tizale rubs Testudo’s nose whenever he walks by McKeldin Library.
“I don’t think anyone really thinks about meningitis at all,” said Tizale, rubbing Testudo’s nose shortly after.
A number of other students had similar responses, saying they hadn’t made the connection between rubbing Testudo’s nose and potentially contracting the virus.
Junior finance major George Napier said he would avoid Testudo’s nose until officials pronounced the meningitis outbreak over.
While catching meningitis from Testudo is pretty unlikely, the possibility still exists. In the meantime, it may be better to turn to rabbits’ feet, four-leaf clovers and crossing your fingers.
