Central Michigan student dies of meningitis

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By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: May 9, 2008 at 8:49 AM EDT

Story Updated: May 9, 2008 at 8:49 AM EDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — A Central Michigan University student has died of a bacterial form of meningitis.

The university said in a news release Thursday the Ottawa County Health Department announced the death.

Twenty-six-year-old LaMott Smith died Wednesday of meningococcal meningitis. The Sterling Heights man fell ill Tuesday in Coopersville, located about 15 miles west of Grand Rapids.

Health departments want to identify people who may have come in close contact with Smith since April 22. That would include roommates, significant others or anyone who may have shared beverages or eating utensils with him.

At-risk individuals would be treated with antibiotics.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain.

EDITOR'S NOTE — Individuals who came in close contact with LaMott Smith between April 22 and May 7 or have information about his activities during that time are asked to call the Central Michigan District Health Department at 989-773-5921, ext. 116. Calls also may be directed to the school's University Health Services at 989-774-6591.

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