The Larimer County Coroner’s Office announced late tonight that an autopsy has ruled out bacterial meningitis as the cause of death of a Colorado State University student.
The actual cause of death has yet to be determined pending laboratory results.
Christina Adame, 23, an international studies major who loved animals and worked at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, died early Wednesday.
“She was so full of life, she was raring to go,” said her mother, Nancy.
Earlier, county health officials had said that they believed Adame was the fifth person in Colorado — and the fourth in Fort Collins — to be killed by meningococcal disease this year.
Zachary Ratzlaff, 19, a freshman resident of CSU’s Corbett Hall, remains at Poudre Valley Hospital in fair condition. He, too, was originally said to be suffering from bacterial meningitis. It is not yet known it that is indeed the case.
Adame lived off campus.
Officials haven’t determined whether there was a connection between the two students.
Meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis, can be spread through direct contact with saliva. College-age students, especially those who live in dorms, are at particular risk of contracting the infection.
