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Special to the Daily Journal/Messenger
Danielle “Dani Rae” Fleming
CLEMSON — The university community is waiting to hear if a student’s death was caused by bacterial meningitis.
Danielle “Dani Rae” Fleming was rushed to Oconee Medical Center on Saturday morning and was pronounced dead later that day.
Representatives from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) stated it is likely Fleming died because of the bacterial infection.
Officials can’t confirm the cause of death, said Pickens County Coroner, Kandi Kelley.
DHEC will be conducting tests to rule out other causes.
Fleming was living off campus, but was not attending summer school, said John Gouch, assistant director of Clemson News Services.
“She didn’t have a roommate at the time, but they may not have arrived yet,” he said.
Bacterial meningitis can be spread by respiratory and throat secretions like coughing and kissing, according to DHEC.
As of now, DHEC is continuing to get in touch with people that may have had contact with Fleming to instruct them on what to do next.
Fleming was 20 years old and majoring in mathematic science. She is a native of Glen Ridge, N.J.
Doctors, nurses and patients at Oconee Medical Center are not at risk, said Hunter Kome, vice president of hospital operations.
“We practice universal precautions,” he said. “Infectious disease is something we deal with every day. There is absolutely no risk to those who were here on Saturday.”
Fluid around the brain and spinal chord become infected with the bacteria and effects can be quite severe, resulting in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. For bacterial meningitis, it is also important to know which type is causing the meningitis. Antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people, according to DHEC officials.
Symptoms can onset anywhere from 3-7 days after exposure and include fever, headache, vomiting, seizures and a stiff neck.
Friend of Fleming, Alexandra Gebino, remembers a true shining star.
“Life is too short to be anything but happy. Danielle was truly a happy and bright young woman, lighting up a room, football sideline, blue floor, etc. We should all live by her example.”
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September 1, 2009
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
P O Box 1818
El Mirage AZ 85335
480 270 2652
www.musa.org
Join Hands against Meningitis www.comoonline.org/wmd.html