WASHINGTON — Georgetown University doctors issued a statement Thursday night, saying that student Andrea Jaime’s death was caused by meningococcal bacteria, and was of serogroup B.
“Georgetown is working closely with the CDC and District of Columbia Department of Health to respond to this case and provide information to our community,” Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Olson and Assistant Vice President of Student Health Services James Welsh wrote in a joint announcement.
According to the CDC, meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through direct exchange of respiratory and throat secretions by close personal contact, such as coughing, sharing drinks, kissing and being in close proximity for an extended period.
The bacteria that cause this kind of meningitis are not as contagious as the common cold or the flu, and are not spread by casual contact. There is no evidence that says you are at risk of catching the infection by touching surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards or exercise equipment, the statement read.
“We will continue working closely with the D.C. Department of Health to determine who requires prophylaxis [antibiotics],” Olson and Welsh wrote. “At this time, the CDC does not recommend prescribing antibiotics to the entire student body.”
The approved vaccines don’t protect against type B meningococcal meningitis. That means the vaccine most students received as teenagers do not protect against the type B strain.
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