A student at Metropolitan State College of Denver died this morning of a suspected case of bacterial meningitis, and college officials want students to know the symptoms and seek treatment immediately if they become ill,said Steve Monaco, director of health services at the Auraria Campus.
“Treatment needs to happen early so the disease does not progress to a point where it cannot be stopped,” Monaco said.
Officials have not released the name of the deceased student, but Monaco said he lived in an off-campus apartment and attended one class at Metro State. The 26 other students in the class met with health officials today to discuss symptoms and precautions.
Initial symptoms of bacterial meningitis may mimic a common cold or flu, such as headache, fever, stiff neck and body aches, Monaco said.
Complications of bacterial meningitis can include severe tissue damage leading to amputation, deafness, brain damage, nervous system damage and death,according to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment fact sheet.
“The progression is really rapid,” Monaco said.
The disease is spread through close contact, such as sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils or kissing, Monaco said.
Metro State officials were notified of the death today by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It could take 24 hours to confirm that bacterial meningitis caused the death, Monaco said.
Heather McWilliams: 303-954-1698 or hmcwilliams@denverpost.com
