Communications

Date: September 11, 2006
To: All University Students
From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer
Subject: Weekend incidents involving students

I write to inform you of two significant occurrences involving our students over the weekend.

First, it is with deep regret that I report the death of a University student from meningitis at the U.Va. Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 9. Our sympathy goes out to the student’s family and friends. The student’s name is being held in confidence at the parents’ request.

Dr. James C. Turner, executive director of Student Health, said this is not a situation calling for alarm within the University community. “This was a very isolated case in which the student did not live in University housing or with other students. All individuals who had contact with the student have been notified and provided antibiotics. Nearly 95 percent of the U.Va. student body is appropriately vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. If any student does feel concerned or has not been vaccinated, he or she is welcome to contact Student Health by calling 434-924-2856.”

Information from the Health Department states: “The patient appears to have died from bacterial meningitis. However, the actual cause could not be confirmed through laboratory tests. As a precaution, officials with the Thomas Jefferson Health Department have contacted persons who may have had close intimate contact with the patient. There is no risk to the general community. For more information, contact the Thomas Jefferson Health Department at 434-972-6228 or log onto www.vdh.virginia.gov ”

In a second, unrelated incident, a University student was shot in an apparent robbery at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. The student was sitting on the porch of a residence on Wertland Street in the city of Charlottesville. He was taken to the U.Va. Hospital for treatment. Charlottesville Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

This incident offers the opportunity to remind everyone in the community of taking steps to guard the safety of yourself and your friends. Remember to take extra precautions after dark and to immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to the police by calling 911. By being aware of our surroundings and reporting any potential predators, we can better look out for one another and keep our community as safe as possible.