DURHAM — February 20, 1996 - 3:00 p.m. Seventeen-year-old Josh Canterbury is reported in fair condition in a Durham hospital where he is being treated for an often fatal form of meningitis.

Canterbury fell ill overnight Friday, but was quickly diagnosed and listed in critical condition. Speedy diagnosis is imperative, because meningococcemia moves so quickly through its victim's body.

Doctors expect that he will fully recover within a few weeks.

Josh's mother was quoted as saying, "It's almost like a miracle, yesterday to today. There's been such a change in the last 24 hours, we're floating on air."

Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. There are several types, which vary in their severity.

On Monday, the Johnston County Health Department gave preventive anti-biotics to 60 students who had close contact with Canterbury.

Drew Houlihan, a friend and basketball teammate of Canterbury, is also hospitalized. Preliminary tests indicate Houlihan does not have meningitis, but he had had a fever and headache. Houlihan is listed in good condition.

North Carolina has seen several such cases this winter and a total of 86 last year