USF student dies after battle with meningitis

The USF student on life support after becoming infected with bacterial meningitis passed away Monday morning, according to a University spokesman.

Rachel Futterman, who was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, was taken to the hospital Saturday by friends when she began showing symptoms of the infection.

The University plans to hold a memorial service in Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza at 6 p.m., said Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall.

“We want to express our deepest sympathies, support and grief to (Rachel’s) family,” said Meningall. “We want to support all of the students on our campus … we’re planning to honor Rachel’s life as well as her family.”

By Monday afternoon Student Health Services had given between 60 and 75 students an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, said Director of Student Health Services Egilda Terenzi. About 200 doses of the antibiotic, a pill called Cipro, were brought in by SHS. Two-hundred more pills have been ordered Ternzi said.

“I’ve talked to hundreds of concerned parents and students in the last couple of days,” Terenzi said. “I don’t have an exact number. The line continues.”

David Guidi can be reached at (813) 974-5190 or oracleguidi@gmail.com