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Meningitis Suspected In SRU Student's Death

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Oct 16, 2009 7:35 pm US/Eastern

Meningitis Suspected In SRU Student's Death

A 20-year-old Slippery Rock University student from Natrona Heights died early this morning

According to the university, Benjamin Swantner showed symptoms of bacterial meningitis

SLIPPERY ROCK (KDKA) ― A Slippery Rock University student from Allegheny County died early this morning and school officials say bacterial meningitis may be to blame. Now they're urging anyone who had close contact with the student to seek medical treatment as a precaution.

The school issued a "Campuswide Health Alert" earlier today about the death of Benjamin Swantner, 20, of Natrona Heights, advising anyone who had been in close contact with him to visit the campus heath center.

"His roommates called the health services shortly after midnight to report that he was not feeling well and they felt that he wasn't getting better and they were advised to immediately bring him to our university health services," Rita Abant, a spokesperson for the university, said.

"The RN at the time saw that he was presenting with classic symptoms of bacterial meningitis and immediately called for an ambulance to transport him to Grove City," she added.

Swanter died at the hospital at about 3:30am.

"He was real laid back. I didn't see him have a problem with anybody – always smiling laughing – so that's how I knew him," John Wisniowski, a friend of Benjamin, said.

In an email alert sent to students, the university detailed Swantner's class schedule as a precaution to help other students determine if they may have come in contact with him.

"We want the campus to be on alert," Kris Chiprean, director of SRU's health center said in the email. "While this is a serious health situation, there is no reason to panic. Students and others, who have had close contact, not simply being in the same room, need to receive the antibiotic treatment. We are open 24-hours-a- day, and we urge students to visit for an evaluation. We also caution, that should anyone exhibit the classic symptoms to immediately come to the health center for evaluation."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious – and can be spread through close physical contact like kissing or sharing food or coughing and sneezing.
 Click here for more

The university says a meningitis vaccine is available at the school for those who have not been vaccinated.

Counseling is also available on campus for those having a difficult time coping with Swantner's death.

Swantner was a junior at the university, majoring in education.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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