Wayne County Health department confirms meningitis type B killed Livonia man

Central Michigan now treating students with antibiotics after 19-year-old dies

DETROIT – The Wayne County Health Department has confirmed meningitis type B resulted in the death of a 19-year-old Livonia-native and Central Michigan University student.

St. Mary Mercy Livonia hospital in Livonia said Nicholas Collins died May 10.

The Mount Pleasant school earlier said it was notified by an alert originally from the Wayne County Health Department that Collins, who lived in Trout Hall, tested positive.

The Health Department said Thursday that final laboratory test results confirmed Neisseria meningitides serogroup B resulted in Collins' death. There is no vaccine in the U.S. to protect against the serogroup B disease, the department said.

Watch: Dr. discuss severity of meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds a person's spinal cord and the brain. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, but bacterial meningitis is more dangerous.

Central Michigan University treats students

Officials at the university are now treating students with antibiotics.

The school has asked anyone who had close personal contact with the Livonia man between April 30 and May 3 to contact health officials or a doctor.

People can contact the Wayne County Health Department at 734-727-7078. Central Michigan's Health Services can be contacted at 989-774-6577.

INTERVIEW: Wayne County Health Department on meningitis

Victim was sports star, 'great guy'

Local 4 spoke with several of Collins' former high school teammates. Collins was on the golf and football team. He graduated in 2011.

Friends say his nickname on the football field was "Speedy" and he had a strong golf swing.

"He was quiet, but when he talked to you, he talked to you. He was a really great guy," said Ryan Linn. "He was very unique. I had the privilege of playing football and golf with him and he was very exceptional at both sports."

Collins started his summer job Monday and was hospitalized on Tuesday. He died two days later.