Meningococcal disease is the probable cause of death for a 20-year-old UW-Madison student. The student died Tuesday morning at Meriter Hospital, 202 S. Park St.
The student, whose name is being withheld, lived off-campus.
Meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial infection that is not highly contagious, but requires early diagnosis and treatment. Those who were in direct contact with the student have been notified and treated appropriately. The case does not pose risk to the greater university community, according to Craig Roberts, an epidemiologist with University Health Services.
UW-Madison Dean of Students Luoluo Hong expressed her condolences to the student's family and friends.
\We are deeply saddened by the loss of a member of our campus community,"" she said.
Hong said she recommends students visit the UHS Web site at http://www.uhs.wisc.edu to learn more about meningococcal disease.
