Meningitis suspected in death at Slippery Rock

By Harold Gwin

The disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — A Slippery Rock University student has died of what university officials believe to be bacterial meningitis.

In a message sent out to the campus community Friday, the university reported that Benjamin Swantner, 20, who lived off-campus, died around 3:30 a.m. that day at Grove City Medical Center. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death, but Swantner exhibited all the clinical signs of bacterial meningitis, and his death is being treated as such, the university said. Swantner was an education major from Natrona Heights, which is northeast of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County.

The disease is serious, and those who have been in close contact, defined as having intimate contact with a person infected with the disease, such as sharing food or drink, kissing or being in close contact in a class or group setting, should take appropriate steps.

Those who have been in close contact with Swantner, who lived in the South Rock Apartment complex, are urged to call or visit the university’s McLachlan Health Center Rhoads Hall immediately. Those who left campus for the weekend were urged to contact their health-care provider informing them of possible contact.

Students and others who have had close contact, not simply being in the same room, need to receive the antibiotic treatment, said Kris Chiprean, director of SRU’s health center. The center is open 24 hours a day, and students were urged to visit for an evaluation. Any student exhibiting the classic symptoms, which include headache, feeling hot and tired, excessive sleeping, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, high fever or chills, nausea and vomiting, confusion, a skin rash and sometimes seizures, should immediately come to the health center for evaluation, he said.

A meningitis vaccine, delivered through a single shot, also is available at the health center for those who have not previously received the vaccination.

Bacterial meningitis, one of several forms of meningitis, includes swelling of the brain and requires an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid further complications or death.

A university spokesman said Swantner’s roommates brought him to the campus health center at 12:20 a.m. Friday and that he was immediately sent to Grove City by ambulance where he was evaluated but died before he could be transported to a Pittsburgh hospital.

Authorities say the disease is fatal in only about 10 percent of those infected, but it has claimed some lives locally.

Vindicator records show that two high school students in Alliance died of the disease in 2001. A 6-year-old Howland Township boy also died of bacterial meningitis that year. A Champion woman fell victim to the disease in 2000 as did both a 14-year old Youngstown girl and a 6-year-old Youngstown boy.

gwin@vindy.com