Drexel freshman dies of meningitis Tuesday

A Drexel University freshman died of meningitis late Tuesday night at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. But Drexel officials said there is no cause for medical alarm on campus. Michael Skowronek, 19, became ill Monday evening and was admitted to HUP early Tuesday afternoon with symptoms of the disease. He had spent the weekend at home with his family in Collingswood, N.J. "This was an isolated case to the best of our knowledge," Drexel spokesperson Philip Terranova said yesterday. Drexel students who might have come into close contact with Skowronek are receiving preventive treatment, Terranova said. "Close contact" is defined as anyone residing with someone who is infected, or anyone who spent more than two hours with the person within 72 hours of the onset of the illness. "Casual contact won't put anyone at risk," Terranova explained. Common early symptoms of the disease include fever, severe sudden headaches and neck stiffness. Penn Microbiology Professor Helen Davies said any Penn student who could have contracted the disease from Skowronek should contact medical authorities immediately. "If students are not aware that the disease is occurring in the area, it can be overlooked," she said. "And if it's not treated, it can be deadly." Sharing food or eating with the same utensils can spread the disease, she said. A memorial mass for Skowronek will be held at the Drexel Newman Center, although a date and time have yet to be determined.