A first-year UVA student passed away on Friday, March 7th, from meningitis, just a week after having been diagnosed with meningococcal disease—the precursor to meningitis. Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, and prompted urgent response efforts from UVA and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The student had been receiving treatment at UVA Health while officials worked to trace close contacts and limit the spread of the disease.
The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at UVA had set up a GoFundMe in the student’s honor to support their family, which had raised $62,269 of its $100,000 goal as of March 8th. You can find and help support this GoFundMe and the student’s parents here.
In an email sent to students on the evening of March 2nd at 7:13 p.m., Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer Kenyon Bonner, along with Senior Associate Vice President for Student Health and Wellness Chris Holstege, reassured the community that all known close contacts of the infected student had been notified.
They also asserted that they were following Virginia Department of Health (VDH) protocols. Student Health and Wellness is working “closely with partners in VDH” and assisted those “who may have been exposed [to the student] in order to limit the potential spread of the disease.” The university also encouraged students to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and drinking glasses to prevent further spread.
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, which inflames the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, or septicemia, a bloodstream infection. The disease spreads primarily through direct exchange of bodily fluids, such as saliva, making activities like kissing, sharing drinks, or close personal contact key risk factors.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can develop rapidly, sometimes within hours, and often include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Rash
If left untreated, the disease can be fatal or lead to serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, and limb amputation. However, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics if caught early.
For clarification on this description, and more information surrounding meningococcal disease, you can visit the CDC’s official guidelines for it here.
Meningococcal disease is rare, with only a few hundred cases reported in the U.S. each year. However, Virginia experienced an outbreak from June 2022 to February 2025, with 41 reported cases and eight deaths. Though that outbreak was declared to be over, this new case has reignited concern among UVA students.
UVA requires students under the age of 22 to provide proof of vaccination against Meningococcal A, W, C, and Y strains, though the B strain—which has been responsible for some outbreaks—is not covered by the mandatory vaccination requirement. The university has not yet disclosed which strain the deceased student contracted.
The loss of this student is a heartbreaking tragedy for the UVA community, adding to an already difficult time on Grounds. As the university urges vigilance and health precautions, our thoughts remain with the student’s family during their time of grief.
Students with symptoms or concerns about exposure are urged to schedule an appointment with Student Health and Wellness at (434) 924-5362 or (434) 297-4261 after hours. A 24-hour hotline has also been set up for general questions at (844) 439-5705.
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