Meningitis death reported in University of Virginia student
Earlier this month, officials with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville reported on a student that contracted meningococcal disease and was being treated.
Unfortunately, the student, now identified as Nicolas (“Nico”) Ramos-Esteban has passed away from the bacterial infection.
Per Virginia Department of Health (VDH) protocols, Student Health and Wellness (SHW) has worked closely with partners in VDH and has identified all known close contacts of the patient and assisted others who may have been exposed in order to limit the potential spread of the disease.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that inflames the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.
Meningococcal meningitis is one type of bacterial meningitis.
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can spread into the air. These droplets come into contact with people who are nearby. Contact with saliva, like through kissing or sharing forks, can transmit the bacteria.
Meningitis symptoms tend to be sudden and hard to miss.
Fever: Over 100 degrees, with sudden onset
Headache: Severe and persistent headache
Neck stiffness: Can't look down or side-to-side
Nausea: With or without vomiting
Sensitivity to light (called photophobia)
Confusion or sleepiness
Often there is also a rash, which looks like red dots (petechiae) and doesn’t fade when pressed on. This rash is very characteristic and a tell-tale sign. But if you’re having the above symptoms, you shouldn’t wait to find a rash to get help.
Listen to my podcast interview on Meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can cause serious illness and death in people of all ages.
Meningococcal disease can often be treated with physician prescribed antibiotics.
Meningococcal vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease.
There are 5 meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Meningococcal vaccines help protect against one serogroup (strain) or multiple serogroups of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
All of the standard hygiene practices that help you stay safe during cold season will help here.
Wash your hands
Don’t cough on others
Don’t share utensils, drinks, or food
Is there confirmation that this student died from bacterial meningitis and not viral meningitis? What was their vaccine status? Any underlying health issues or comorbidities that could have made the disease more severe in this person?