TEST RESULTS RECEIVED ON DEATH OF HAWAII STUDENT

HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has received diagnostic laboratory results of tests at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from the 22 year-old Hawaii student who died suddenly on March 25, 2004. Results indicated that the student died of a severe infection, called meningococcemia. All close contacts of the deceased were identified and previously provided with antibiotic prophylaxis by the DOH. Thus far, there is no evidence of further spread of illness.

Based on information available prior to test results, the DOH postulated that the victim’s illness was likely to be meningococcemia and initiated antibiotic treatment of close contacts. Dr. Paul Effler, State Epidemiologist stated, "This was a real tragic episode for the friends and family. While spread to close contacts is relatively rare, I am thankful that thorough work on the part of the coroner and emergency personnel enabled us to make the right call on this case and provide antibiotic prophylaxis in a timely manner to reduce the risk of further disease spread."

Meningococcemia is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, malaise, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and skin rash. Prompt medical attention including specific antibiotic therapy is necessary to help prevent complications such as bleeding, shock, and death. Neisseria meningitides infections are relatively rare; the number of N. menigitides infections reported in Hawaii each year has ranged from 1 to 14 since 1990.

Health care professionals should report any suspected case of meningococcal infections to the Department of Health, Disease Investigation Branch or to the local District Health Office.

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For more information, contact:

Darcie Yukimura
Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4442

Janice Okubo
Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4442