Ohio State Mansfield student dies of bacterial meningitis

Columbus - Officials with the Knox and Richland County Health Departments are working with The Ohio State University to reach people who may have had contact with an 18-year-old Ohio State Mansfield campus freshman, who died Friday evening from a suspected case of bacterial meningitis.

Caitlin Pugh of Fredricktown died in the emergency department of Ohio State Medical Center after being flown by helicopter from Knox Community Hospital where the original diagnosis of meningitis was made. Because this bacterial infection can be contagious to people who have had close contact with the infected student, public health officials chose to release the patient's name.

University officials are contacting approximately 150 students who were in classes with Pugh on the Mansfield campus and advising those students who believe they had close contact to go to the emergency room or urgent care in their local community. A 24-hour hotline is also available through the Richland County Health Department at 419-545-6321.

"The risk is limited to people who were in direct contact with this student," said Dr. Roger Miller, assistant director for clinical services for Ohio State's Student Health Services.

Exposed individuals who have had the meningococcal vaccine should still get preventive treatment because the vaccine does not cover all strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, Miller explained. The preventative treatment is usually a single dose of an antibiotic.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability.

High fever, headache and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of two years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. Other symptoms may include a reddish or purple-red rash, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur - even if an individual has been previously vaccinated - one should see a doctor immediately.

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Contact: Shelly Hoffman
(614) 571-6826
Jim Lynch
(614) 323-9515
Dr. Roger Miller
(614) 329-0971