Reports: Lifetime Fitness Camp Counselor Dies After Contracting Bacterial Meningitis

UTICA (WWJ) - There are conflicting reports that a young metro Detroit woman who contracted bacterial meningitis has died.

A family friend told WWJ Newsradio 950 that 21-year-old Kristy Malter had passed away Thursday morning, and many offered condolences on social media throughout the day.

Her alma mater and her employer both also confirmed her tragic passing; Her mother's Facebook page has dozens of condolence notes and two cousins confirmed in posts that she had died Thursday.

"I am so sorry for the passing of Kristy; my heart is aching for you all," one person posted on Facebook, echoing the sentiments of many others. "She is now wrapped in Jesus' arms, suffering no more. Heaven now has a young, beautiful and vibrant angel. My love and prayers are with all of you."

Later Thursday afternoon, however, a spokesperson Oakland County Health and Human Services told WWJ the young woman remains on life support, contradicting all the other information.

The Utica resident is registered as a student at Central Michigan University and worked at Rochester Hills Lifetime Fitness, according to authorities.

She became seriously ill earlier this week.

According to Oakland County health officials, the woman had recently worked in close proximity with an estimated 219 children, ages five to 12, as a counselor at a day camp. Others who may be at risk include those who worked with the woman at Lifetime Fitness. (The dates of contact are between July 1 – July 11).

Those who may have been exposed are being contacted and advised to seek treatment.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds a person's spinal cord and the brain. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria — but bacterial meningitis is more dangerous, health officials say.

Bacterial meningitis can be transmitted through saliva secretions — including kissing, sharing a drink or a cigarette or other direct contact.

Parents or staff members who have any questions may contact Oakland County's Nurse on Call from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. For more information about bacterial meningitis, go to www.oakgov.com/health.