Meningitis strain from Princeton University outbreak kills Drexel student
A rare strain of meningitis responsible for a disease outbreak at Princeton University in New Jersey has killed a student at Drexel University in Philadelphia, according to health officials.
"This information suggests that the outbreak strain may still be present in the Princeton University community and we need to be vigilant for additional cases," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned in a press release.
The tragic death occurred March 10. The Drexel student, identified as sophomore Stephanie Ross, had been in close contact with students from Princeton who visited Drexel a week before she became ill, CBS Philly reported.
Ross was found unresponsive by housemates at a sorority house on campus, Drexel University said.
DNA "fingerprinting" tests confirmed the strains were the exact same.
A high percentage of students received the vaccine, according to the CDC, but even vaccinated students may still be able carry the strain of the disease in their throats without showing symptoms, potentially placing others at risk.
About 10 percent of people are "carriers" of the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat with no signs of the disease.
Symptoms can come on suddenly, and include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion and increased sensitivity to light.
If the infection spreads to the blood, people may experience organ and blood vessel damage that requires amputations or may result in death within 24 hours.
About one in 10 people diagnosed with a meningococcal disease will die, and about one in five survivors will have permanent disability, according to the CDC.
To date, no other illnesses have been reported in Drexel students. Antibiotics have been administrated preventively to people who had been in contact with the student who died.
Health officials said the disease, while transmittable between others, is not highly contagious, so at this time they are not recommending limiting social interactions or travel to the university.
"Students at both Universities should be especially vigilant to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent treatment if suspected," the CDC said.
Princeton said in a statement to CBS Philly, "We're urging all members of the Princeton University community to continue to help prevent the spread of disease by increasing hygienic practices, and not sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, smoking materials and other items."
Also last year, an unrelated serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak took place at UC Santa Barbara, leading the school to import the vaccine.
