Philadelphia’s Drexel University was put on alert this morning after a college sophomore died suddenly from a suspected case of meningitis.
Stephanie Ross’ sorority sisters in Phi Mu (Beta Tau) found the mechanical engineering major unresponsive Monday in her sorority house along Powelton Avenue, according to an official statement from Drexel.
Ross was rushed to the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where she died.
“The Drexel community’s thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends,” said Drexel’s statement.
Though no official cause of death was given, Drexel said they are working with city health officials under the assumption that the death was due to meningitis. The college didn't reveal what type of meningitis is suspected.
Meningitis symptoms are similar to flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Other symptoms like confusion and a stiff neck could also be a sign of meningitis.
Any students feeling meningitis-like symptoms are asked to contact the Student Health Center at 215-220-4700.
The university offered prophylactic antibiotics at the student health center on Market Street for any students who were in close contact with Ross.
Ross' death hit Drexel's Greek Life community hard. An email announcing her death was first shared through a Greek Life email chain shortly after 11 p.m. Monday.
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Stephanie Ross's family, friends, and the sisters of @PhiMuDrexel tonight.
— Drexel Phi Psi (@duphipsi) March 11, 2014
Ross' sorority big sister Kris Trina turned to Facebook to remember her friend.
"I don't have any words to describe what I am feeling right now, but know that I love you and I hope that you are in heaven filled with cats and all of the other weird things that we love."
Ross graduated from Upper St. Clair High School outside Pittsburgh where she played softball.
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