As you may have seen in news reports of the past week, Linn County Public Health investigated the death of a young person in Cedar Rapids. This person was a Kirkwood student. On behalf of everyone at Kirkwood Community College, we extend our sympathy, condolences and support to the family and friends of this student.
Test results confirmed a case of bacterial meningitis and local health officials are proceeding with precautions and treatments. Kirkwood Campus Health Director Lori Jeppson has been in frequent contact with Linn County and Iowa state officials. They told her that the few people who need further observation, treatment or information have been contacted, and no further persons need treatment.
Lori shared some facts about bacterial meningitis that point out the importance of vaccination and prevention. Approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses nationwide each year, and 5 to 15 students will die as a result. While even one illness or death is too many, it is important to know that no other danger is inherent on our campus or any other area of eastern Iowa. Words like “outbreak” or “scare” are incorrect and misleading.
Kirkwood Campus Health has a supply of meningococcal vaccine available for treatment. We encourage students and their parents to consult with their family physicians and get immunized for meningitis as part of an overall health and disease program.
More information is available from Kirkwood Campus Health, (319) 398-5588.