VINTON - A local college student's death sparks concern in the community over meningitis.
On Tuesday afternoon, a funeral was held for Renee Rhodes. The Roanoke College student got sick, and died suddenly at the end of last week from bacterial meningitis, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Rhodes held the record for the pole vault at Roanoke College. She was home visiting family in Vinton, and working at the Bojangles in the town.
She'll be remembered as someone who was always smiling and willing to help out.
Renee puts a face to a disease that can be tragic and severe for some, while having little to no effect on others according to the VDH.
Some people may be carrying the bacteria that causes meningitis without symptoms. The three main symptoms to look for are: Fever, headache, and stiff neck. Those symptoms usually show up within five days.
I checked on any concerns about a restaurant worker possibly spreading meningitis to customers. According to the VDH, meningitis is not spread by casual contact.
After checking further with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis is also not as contagious as the cold or flu.
I also talked with Stan Seymore, who owns the Bojangles. Seymore told me he has worked closely with the VDH on this case.
Dr. Lex Gibson, an epidemiologist with the VDH based in Roanoke, also said that Seymore has been cooperative. Dr. Gibson adds that Rhodes' family, close friends, and some employees of the restaurant were given antibiotic treatment as a precaution. Dr. Gibson said it requires more "intense" exposure to the bacteria than someone coughing or sneezing, or say passing money or food, to catch it.
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