MSU Student Dies Of Meningococcal Disease
EAST LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Ingham County medical examiner says a 19-year-old Michigan State University student from western Michigan died late last week from meningococcal disease.
The test results were reported Friday.
Carly Glynn of Wyoming died Feb. 10 at a Lansing hospital. It was determined that Glynn tested positive for an organism that causes meningococcal disease.
When meningococcal bacteria cause a systemic infection, it's called meningococcemia. That is what medical authorities say has been confirmed in Glynn's case. When meningococcal bacteria attack the brain, it's called meningitis.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), approximately 2,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with meningococcal disease each year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices strongly recommends that college students have a current vaccination for meningococcal disease.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease amy include a rash of dark red or purple spots, severe headache, unusual neck stiffness, high fever, confusion, lethargy, loss or change in level of consciousness, seizure and unusual irritability in a small child.
Doctors stress that anyone experienceing such symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
More information including guidelines regarding vaccination are available at www.cdc.gov.
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