Central Michigan University

Friday, May 9, 2008

Search for contacts continues in CMU meningitis death

Approximately 70 individuals have been treated and more than 150 others have been interviewed in response to the meningitis death of a Central Michigan University student.

LaMott Smith, a 26-year-old CMU senior from Sterling Heights, died of meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial form of meningitis, May 7 after falling ill May 6 in Coopersville, according to Ottawa County Health Department officials.

In cooperation with CMU's University Health Services, Central Michigan District Health Department and Ottawa County Health Department officials have been working to identify the student's close, personal contacts. Of the identified individuals, 70 have been treated by private physicians, CMU's University Health Services or the CMDHD.

Attempts are being made to identify any additional individuals who may be at risk based on their contact with Smith between April 22 and May 7.

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.

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 until 8 p.m. May 9. On May 10, University Health Services will relocate to the CMDHD facility due to an on-campus power shutdown and can be reached at 989-773-5921, ext. 135 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. On May 11, inquiries should be directed to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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; 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.

James Barker, CMU's director of University Health Services, said his office 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 vaccine is covered by most insurance plans, he said. Vaccines also are available through the CMDHD for $110; call 989-773-5921, ext. 105, to make an appointment.

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.

CMU counselors are available to provide confidential counseling for students, faculty and staff who are grieving Smith's death. The CMU Counseling Center can be reached at 989-774-3381.