Drexel University Releases New Statement On Suspected Meningitis Death
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Drexel University has released a statement on the death of a student after it was determined she died from the same serotype of meningococcal bacteria that sickened several Princeton University students in 2013.
Stephanie Ross of Pittsburgh, Pa. was found unresponsive Monday by housemates at the Phi Mu (Beta Tau) sorority house on Drexel's campus (see previous story).
University spokeswoman Niki Gianakaris said Ross was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Her death was being investigated as a possible case of meningitis.
On Thursday, University officials released a new statement that reads:
"Drexel University has received confirmation that the single confirmed case of the meningoccal infection is serogroup B meningococcus.
The University and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are continuing to identify those who may have had contact with the infected student to provide them with prophylactic antibiotics as well as educate students of precautions they can take to protect themselves against the infection.
Regardless of serogroup, the recommended course of action remains the same. Vaccination is not indicated as a method of prophylaxis for a single case of meningococcal infection."
The Philadelphia Health Department tells CBS 3 its laboratory has determined that the isolate is serogroup B, the same serotype that sickened several Princeton students last year.
The serotype is not covered by the meningitis vaccine offered in the U.S.
