Wash U Student Dies From Meningitis, Fox 2 Reports

Fox 2 News is reporting that a student has died from complications of meningococcal disease.

Emily Benatar passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Wednesday morning. Benatar was a first-year student from California attending the College of Arts & Sciences.

As Patch previously reported, Benatar's case officials April 20. 

Benatar lived in the South 40. Her freshman floor and other members of the campus community who may have been in close contact with her were notified in April and offered preventive medical treatment at the University's Habif Health and Wellness Center.

Meningitis infection may show up in a person by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Altered mental status (confusion)

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3-7 days after exposure. Unless a student was in close physical contact with the patient, the likelihood of infection is extremely small.

For more information about meningitis, go to http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html.

According to Fox 2, the Washington University flag at Brookings Hall will be lowered for the remainder of the week in Benatar’s honor. Her family will be holding a memorial service May 19 in California. The school is planning a memorial service in early fall.