STUDENT DIES OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Unidentified student lived off campus

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Posted: 11/30/07

A University student died Saturday morning at St. Mary's Hospital of what has been diagnosed as bacterial meningitis, according to a release from the University Heath Center's top official.

According to the Athens Clarke County coronor's office, Michael Jeffrey Hendrickson, 23, a senior from Martinez, was identified as the student that died. He lived off campus, according to the release from Dr. Jean Chin, the health center's executive director.

His address is listed as 117 Barington Drive in Athens, which is the location of St. Andrews at the Barringtons according to the Athens-Clarke County Tax Assessor's Office.

The release, which was sent to students on the Arches Listserv, also noted that bacterial meningitis is spread by close contact of respiratory secretions, such as drinking directly after someone, kissing, and sharing utensils and is not spread by being in the same room or passing someone on the street.

The Athens-Clarke County Health Department has notified all persons who have been in close contact with the victim and are seeking appropriate prophylactic treatment.

Anyone seeking information about whether they may have been exposed, may contact the health center hotline at 706-542-8608.