West Chester student dies of bacterial meningitis

Officials at a state university near Philadelphia say a student has died of meningitis.

West Chester University sent a letter to the campus community on Thursday about the death of Sean Casey.

Officials had notified students and staff on Tuesday that Casey had contracted bacterial meningitis. The illness is an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Bacterial meningitis is not highly contagious, but can be transmitted through saliva or respiratory secretions. Symptoms include sudden fever, nausea and a stiff neck.

The university says it’s working with Chester County health officials to ensure proper treatment for students who were in close contact with Casey.

Casey was a third-year honors student in West Chester’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.