Brain infection
caused isle deathThe disease that killed a UH
student is not necessarily fatal
The sudden death of a 22-year-old University of Hawaii student last month was caused by meningococcemia, a severe infection of the brain, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
CORRECTION
Wednesday, April 14, 2003>> Antibiotics were distributed to 90 people identified as having been in contact with 22-year-old University of Hawaii student Travis Mitsuda, who died March 25 of meningococcemia, a severe bacterial infection. A Page A3 story in yesterday's early edition said the antibiotics were given to about 75 people.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com.The results of laboratory tests released yesterday confirmed that Travis Den Mitsuda, of Honolulu, died March 25 of the bacterial infection.
No further spread of the illness has been discovered, according to the state Department of Health. Antibiotics were distributed on March 30 to about 75 people identified as having contact with Mitsuda after an early assessment by state health officials.
Dr. Paul Effler, state epidemiologist, credited emergency personnel and the Honolulu medical examiner for recognizing the potential threat. Effler said their work "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."
"This was a real tragic episode for family and friends," Effler said.
He said spread of Neisseria meningitides infection to close contacts is relatively rare, and the disease is not necessarily fatal. Cases reported in Hawaii have ranged from one to 14 each year since 1990.
The bacterial infection attacks the blood or membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, headache, malaise, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness and skin rash.
The Health Department has alerted medical professionals to report suspected cases.
