Community Meningitis Cases Not Linked To Campus Case

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This information is being distributed to all UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff and students.
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The Chippewa Falls high school student who died last week from meningococcal disease had "type Y," the same type that was responsible for the meningitis in the Chippewa Valley Technical College student who is now recovering from the disease, according to health officials.
       UW-Eau Claire sophomore Sean Coleman had "type C," which means there is no link between Sean's case and the others. Sean's case was an isolated case.
       Nine days have passed since Sean's April 21 death. Health officials say that the lengthening time makes it even less likely that there will be additional cases of meningitis in other UW-Eau Claire students.
       UW-Eau Claire's Health Service continues to offer Menomune (meningococcal vaccine) for those who wish to receive it.
       Health Service's hotline - (715) 836-5955 - also continues to be available for students or parents who have questions or concerns regarding meningitis.

  News Bureau

Updated: April 30, 2002