Drexel Death Tied to Strain Behind Outbreaks

• NBC News

By JoNel Aleccia

A Drexel University sophomore who died Monday was infected with the same strain of meningococcal bacteria that prompted emergency vaccination clinics at two U.S. universities in recent months.

Courtesy of Ross family

Drexel University student Stephanie Ross died suddenly Monday from a meningococcal infection caused by the B strain of bacteria not covered by vaccines available in the U.S.

Stephanie Ross’ bloodstream infection, called meningococcemia, was caused by the B strain of the bacteria, Pennsylvania state health officials confirmed Thursday. That strain is not covered by the meningitis vaccine available in the U.S. — and required for students in campus housing at Drexel — to protect college students and others against the potentially deadly infection.

The mechanical engineering major from Pittsburgh was discovered unresponsive by housemates at her sorority Monday and rushed to a local hospital, where she died.

Outbreaks of meningitis B at Princeton University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, prompted federal health officials to seek special permission to use Bexsero, an imported vaccine not approved in the U.S. that covers that strain.

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