CSU student dies from meningitis, another remains hospitalized- BOTH WERE VACCINATED!

**One Student died and another is hospitalized by Meningitis and both were vaccinated. Go figure. I know there are 3 types of meningitis but this just underscores how futile it is to try and 'protect' everyone.**

A CSU student died early this morning from bacterial meningitis, and another student remains hospitalized in critical condition with a suspected infection, university and public health officials said.

Colorado State University sophomore Christina Adame, 23, originally of Evans, fell ill about 11 pm on Tuesday and died several hours later, CSU officials said. Adame lived off campus and worked part-time in the business office and reception area of the university's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, university officials said.

"This is a very sad tragedy at CSU," said university spokesman Brad Bohlander. "Our condolences and thoughts go out to Christina's family in this difficult time."

The second student, Zachary Ratzlaff, remains hospitalized in intensive care at Poudre Valley Hospital, officials said. He lives in Corbett Hall, an on-campus dormitory. Jane Viste, a spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, said Ratzlaff appeared to be less ill than Adame had been.

"I know that everyone at the university is really pulling for him to make a complete recovery," Bohlander said.

Health officials say Adame was killed by bacterial meningitis, and are investigating whether that's what sickened Ratzlaff. CSU officials said they are trying to determine what connection there was, if any, between the two, and are planning to give antibiotics as a prophylactic as a precaution to people who may have been in contact with them.

Health officials have scheduled a 4:30 p.m. press conference to discuss the situation.

Ratzlaff's floormates said he got sick very fast last night, first complaining of a stiff neck, and then a bad headache and tension all over his body.

"Oh my gosh, I'm really scared," said Angela Wood, who lives on the same floor. "Everyone hangs out together."

Wood and several other floormates said they planned to check with university health officials to see if they should be checked for an infection.

Viste said the two students had both been vaccinated for meningitis, but that the vaccine doesn't protect against every strain.

"There are many, many strains of it. This particular vaccine doesn't cover every strain," she said.

University officials said they are also making extra efforts to clean and sanitize the living and working areas of the two students. At Corbett this afternoon, CSU workers carried out a bed and frame from the wing where Ratzlaff lives.

Link to Meningitis Story