Bentley College Freshman Dies of Bacterial Meningitis

An 18-year-old Bentley College freshman has succumbed to bacterial meningitis Monday morning, October 8, 2007. Erin Ortiz had been home visiting her family in New Hampton, New York when she fell ill and was hospitalized. Late Sunday afternoon on October 7^th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) notified the Bentley Student Health Services.

President Gloria Larson and Vice President of Student Affairs Kathleen Yorkis had the duty of informing Ortiz's fellow students of her untimely death on Monday afternoon. "The Bentley College community extends its fullest sympathies to Erin's family, friends and loved ones. We have deep concern also for the health and safety of those close to Erin and our entire campus community. We are maintaining continuous contact with the Department of Public Health and following its guidance."

Those who were in closest contact with Erin Ortiz were identified and educated about bacterial meningitis. The deadly disease is contracted through saliva and prophylactic antibiotics are being distributed to those at high risk of exposure. Individuals can become infected during a kiss, sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, or other close contact with an infected person.

Bacterial meningitis is often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitides. Bacterial meningitis is often much more severe than viral meningitis, sometimes resulting in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. Symptoms such as high fever, headache, and a stiff neck can take hold within hours up to a couple of days. According to the CDC, other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. Seizures may appear as the disease progresses.

Time is of the essence if recovery is to be a possibility. A culture is taken from spinal fluid via a spinal tap and checked for bacteria. Antibiotics are then immediately given to the patient if a positive result is obtained. Receiving the correct antibiotics early in the disease process reduces the risk of death to below 15% (CDC). There are vaccines currently available to help prevent bacterial meningitis. College students are heavily urged to get this vaccine before starting college to greatly reduce their risks of contracting bacterial meningitis.

Erin Ortiz's father shared how it was her dream to attend Bentley College. She was a member of the Bentley Investment Club and was well liked by many. Vice President Yorkis told the Bentley community in an email message, "Erin had a wide circle of friends and was loved greatly. This loss affects all of us. In this time of grief, we can honor Erin's memory by reaching out to those around us and taking care of each other."
The college is offering spiritual support and counseling to any student who has been affected by Erin's death. For more information about meningitis, the college is recommending the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/topics/menigitis.htm or calling 617-983-6800.

SOURCES:

Bentley College Press Release. URL: (http://www.bentley.edu/news-events/pr_view.cfm?id=502454&cid=RSS01)

CDC Meningicoccal Disease Information. URL: (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm)