Central Michigan University

CMU STUDENT DIES OF MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Topics in this story: Emergency announcements

HOLLAND, Mich. - A 26-year-old Central Michigan University student has died of a bacterial form of meningitis while visiting the west side of the state, Ottawa County Health Department officials have announced.

Senior LaMott Smith of Sterling Heights died of meningococcal meningitis May 7 after falling ill at a May 6 party in Coopersville, officials said.

In cooperation with CMU, Central Michigan District Health Department and Ottawa County Health Department officials are working to identify the student's close, personal contacts in both Coopersville and Mount Pleasant.

Close, personal contacts are defined as roommates, household members, significant others or spouses, or individuals who may have shared beverages or eating utensils with the infected party. Only these individuals are considered to be at risk, and they are at risk even if they have been vaccinated against meningitis. Treatment for at-risk individuals consists of a single dose of antibiotics, which can be obtained at one's local health department or at CMU's University Health Services beginning at 8 a.m. May 9.

Individuals who came into close contact with Smith between April 22 and May 7 and/or individuals who know about his activities during that time are asked to call the Central Michigan District Health Department at 989-773-5921, ext. 116. This will assist in identifying individuals who may need to be treated. Calls also may be directed to CMU's University Health Services at 989-774-6591; personnel will be on hand after hours May 8 to answer calls.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection caused by a germ that affects the tissue around the brain and spinal cord. Airborne droplets from the nose or throat of a person with the bacteria can spread the disease to others who have been in close contact with the infected, such as a household member or a girlfriend or boyfriend. The bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

Symptoms may include a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, stiff neck, headache, nausea and/or seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to visit the nearest hospital emergency room. If untreated, meningitis can result in coma and/or death.

"If you feel you have been in close personal contact with the deceased, it is vital that you contact the Central Michigan District Health Department immediately," said James Barker, CMU's director of University Health Services. "It is also important for everyone to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves from future exposures."

Barker said University Health Services offers meningitis vaccines on a walk-in basis during business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The $117 fee for the vaccines is covered by most insurance plans, he said.

Vaccination greatly reduces the chance of infection but does not guarantee that infection will not occur, according to health department officials.

For more information regarding meningococcal meningitis, visit the Central Michigan District Health Department Web site at http://cmdhd.org and click the "Meningococcal Information" link on the left side of the page, or visit the University Health Services Web site at http://www.healthservices.cmich.edu and click the "Communicable Disease" link on the left side of the page.