Georgetown student posted foreboding tweets before apparent meningitis death

WASHINGTON– Test results should reveal whether a Georgetown University sophomore died of meningitis.

In a campus-wide email, university officials say Andrea Jaime, 19, died at the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Tuesday of “apparent meningitis,” but confirmation of that diagnosis is still pending.

Jaime, who is from Coral Gables, Florida, was a human science major and planned to attend medical school after graduating, according to student newspaper, The Hoya.

Last Friday, in a foreboding tweet, Jaime told a friend she felt like she was dying:

University officials said in the emailed letter that there is no health risk on campus, but students concerned about their health, or experiencing symptoms such as a sudden fever, headache and stiff neck, should contact the student health center.

Also, a statement from the school recommends that students avoid the potential spread of illness by washing their hands frequently, and not sharing anything that comes into contact with the mouth, such as drinks, lipstick or smoking materials.

Georgetown requires students to be vaccinated against a number of ailments. However, the school only requires proof of vaccination against meningitis from those living in a residence hall — unless they’ve received a waiver.

It’s unclear whether Jaime lived in university housing or had been vaccinated.

Meningitis usually develops in response to a bacteria or virus, but The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it can also be caused by an injury, cancer or certain drugs.

Grief counselors are being made available for students at Georgetown University around the clock, according to officials Wednesday morning.

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