LOVELAND, Colo.-
A 20-year-old college student has died from a bacterial infection linked to meningitis, and health officials advised others to get antibiotics if they had close contact with her.
Sierra Krizman, 20, died of meningococcal sepsis Tuesday at McKee Medical Center, the Larimer County coroner said.
Meningococcal sepsis is a blood infection caused by the meningococcal bacteria, said Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, Larimer County health department director. When the bacteria infects the brain, it causes meningitis, health officials said.
The bacteria is spread through saliva and can be transmitted by kissing or sharing eating utensils, drink containers, toothbrushes, cigarettes or similar items, LeBailly said.
She said the risk of infection through casual contact was slight.
Krizman lived in Loveland and took classes at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and at Front Range Community College.
