Health Dept.: Minn. student’s death not a risk to public

Published 8:58 am Thursday, February 2, 2017

MANKATO — The Minnesota Department of Health said the unexpected death of a college student does not pose a risk to the public.

The department said Wednesday it has concluded its review of Minnesota State University, Mankato student Adam Ellingson’s death.

According to a press release, officials were concerned Ellingson’s death on Monday may have been linked to bacterial meningitis. But the state Health Department said there is no risk to the student’s close contacts or the public. No other details were released.

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There have been no confirmed cases of bacterial meningitis in Blue Earth County, where the 20-year-old Ellingson attended college.

Bacterial meningitis can cause swelling of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Ellingson was a 2015 graduate of Rochester Lourdes High School, where he played baseball and football.