Authorities seek members of her household who had direct contact with her saliva or oral/nasal secretions, or anyone who spent at least eight hours within three feet of the Loras College sophomore during the week before she died.
The student was found dead in her Loras dormitory Sunday night.
Health officials stress there is no risk for people who had casual contact with Fitzgerald at work or school, or health-care employees who might have given her routine medical care.
Meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis can be spread by direct contact with saliva, such as kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinks or cigarettes.
Some people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without any signs of illness, while others can develop serious symptoms.
The bacteria usually disappears from the throat and nose 24 hours after appropriate antibiotics are started.
Call the city of Dubuque's Health Services Department at 563-589-4181 for more information.
