After running on empty during the weekend, the University Health Center received its long-awaited shipment of meningococcal disease vaccinations, and a new wave of students headed for the health center to get their shots.
Bob Petit, medical administrator at the health center, said about 200 students have received the $66 vaccination, most of them late Monday and Tuesday afternoons.
Petit said an additional 425 students have received the meningococcal antibiotic, which is less expensive and is meant to cure the immediate symptoms of the disease. The vaccination is a longer-term, preventive measure.
The concerns come after the sudden death of freshman Jill Dieringer, who died early Friday morning from the disease less than 72 hours after she visited the health center complaining of flu-like symptoms and doctors at the health center sent her home.
By midnight Thursday, she was in Sacred Heart Medical Center, and she died between 4 and 5 a.m. Friday.
Petit said the staff has not discussed the possibility that the health center could be liable for her death. Petit said he believes the staff is not liable.
“The course of this disease is so difficult to diagnose,” he said.
Housing Director Mike Eyster said Dieringer’s parents have been in contact with housing officials, though they haven’t mentioned taking action against the health center either.
The meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to meningitis, is transmitted through close oral contact, including kissing, sharing utensils, or being close to people when they are coughing or sneezing.
Although no new cases have been confirmed since Dieringer’s death, the Lane County Bloodbank is taking preventive measures during its blood drive today in the EMU.
The Bloodbank is asking students who had close contact with Dieringer, lived with her in Cloran Hall or the Kappa Delta sorority, or spent more than four hours with her in a confined space between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 to not give blood.
Students in close living situations such as residence halls or greek houses are most susceptible to catching the bacteria. But Eyster said the antibiotic is enough of a preventive measure for fellow students in the Hamilton Complex and other residence halls.
But he added all students should receive a vaccination when they come onto campus fall term.
Students and members of the greek system continue to wear pink ribbons in memory of the 19-year-old. Pink was her favorite color. Many chapters have hung pink banners outside their houses as well.
Eyster said he discussed plans for Dieringer’s memorial with her family and friends, but no decision has been finalized. He said there will probably be one memorial in her hometown of Portland, where students will be invited, and possibly a second service in Eugene.
“We want to get a feel from students for what they want,” he said.