Rachel Futterman
, a 19-year-old student of University of South Florida, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after friends took her to the hospital Saturday Sept. 22. Rachel Futterman is now confirmed on life support. She first started feeling sick Thursday night after going to a club.
Ignacio Torano, a junior student in the USF and boyfriend of Rachel Futterman's best friend, said "She went to a club Thursday night and she was on a party bus and she came back to the sorority house and from what the sorority sisters told me is that she started to go into seizures, fever, throwing up every hour and she was really sick lying on the bed and she fell off the bed and hit her face."
The illness of Rachel Futterman has caused somewhat concerns on the USF campus, as tens of students went to the student health services building to receive prescriptions of Cipro, at a cost of $90.
Bacterial meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining, is a rare but potentially fatal illness. Early symptoms can resemble the flu, including fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy. The bacteria is spread through direct contact, which would include sharing things like cigarettes, drinking glasses or a kiss.
Dr. Egilda Terenzi, director of Health Services, said it's not mandatory for students to get the vaccinations, but it is recommended.
If you're concerned because you were in close contact with Futterman call U.S.F.'s student health services at 813-974-2331.
Sources: USF student with meningitis on life support @ Tampabays10.com
University of South Florida Prepares for Bacterial Meningitis Outbreak @ Injuryboard.com
USF student on life support @ Tampabay.com
Health Officials Respond to Suspected Case of Bacterial Meningitis @ USF News