All of USF is pumped up about the big football game this weekend, but there are some students over at USF in mourning. A 19 year old USF student, Rachel Futterman, passed away earlier this week from bacterial meningitis. The illness is rate, but can be fatal. It’s not easily transmitted, but is more common among schools and college campusus. Friends and students who were in contact with Rachel are being treated as a precaution.

If one good thing came of her death, it’s that many students at USF are now being vaccinated against the disease. It’s sad that it takes a tragedy like this to make people aware of bacterial meningitis, but hopefully this news will prevent other deaths.