NEWS
Freshman with meningitis in serious condition
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Also by Christine Lagorio:
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by Christine Lagorio
Friday, April 19, 2002
UW-Madison freshman Kelly Lynn Steinborn’s condition has deteriorated from stable to serious as her illness is confirmed as bacterial meningitis.
Still in intensive care at Meriter Hospital, 202 S. Park St., the Sellery Hall resident is being isolated and university officials admit they have little knowledge of her case. UW spokesman John Lucas said the results of Wednesday’s spinal tap detected n. menigitidis, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, according to the Center for Disease Control.
“We haven’t been able to find out any information on her condition; [University Health Services] is not responsible for her care or condition,” said University Health Services epidemiologist Craig Roberts.
UW would not release any information on Steinborn or campus-area antibiotic distribution, nor would UHS or Meriter.
The nurse working at Steinborn’s station Thursday evening said no visitors are allowed other than immediate family.
The victim is not contagious, however. Bacterial meningitis is only spread through intimate contact. Many of Steinborn’s friends and family have been given Cipro, the antibiotic used to treat anthrax cases.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease include stiff neck, high fever and rash.
