CONCERNS RISE, DISEASE DOESN'T AT RADFORD U.

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 27, 1992                   TAG: 9202270177
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MADELYN ROSENBERG HIGHER EDUCATION WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium
CONCERNS RISE, DISEASE DOESN'T AT RADFORD U.
More than 100 students and a few staff members have hurried to Radford University's Student Health Services to get an antibiotic for the bacteria that cause meningitis.
The students had come into contact with Thomas Hamlett, a freshman from Rustburg who died this week when the bacteria, meningococcus, infected his blood.
Concern over the death sent students who had flu-like symptoms to campus doctors. Meningitis and flu symptoms are similar.
"We haven't done a count, but I think the numbers [of flu patients] have gone up," said Paul Harris, vice president of student affairs. "Students who would not have normally bothered [to seek treatment for flu] are checking in, just to be on the safe side."
Doctors start looking for the three key symptoms: headache, fever and nausea, Harris said.
If the doctors suspect the students may have meningitis or a related illness, they will be sent to Radford Community Hospital for further tests. "To my knowledge, we have not had to do that," Harris said.
Hamlett's is the only case reported.
Harris said more than 100 people were given the antibiotic Rifampin, which stops the spread of the meningococcal bacteria.
Hamlett, a geology major who lived in Floyd Hall, went to student health services on Friday, but he had no fever and his blood pressure was normal.
He awoke Sunday morning with a severe headache and was admitted to the hospital.
He died there Monday.
Radford University administrators spent Monday afternoon talking to Hamlett's family and friends and the students who lived near him in Floyd Hall.
They also spoke with health officials.
They released information about the case to the public Tuesday morning, said Debbie Brown, director of public information.
A memorial service for Hamlett is scheduled Sunday at 7 p.m. in Heth Ballroom on Radford's campus.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB