Bacterial meningitis made a second victim among soldiers stationed at the Army’s Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Wood officials announced Tuesday.

 

Pvt. Randy Stabnik of South Bend. Ind., 28, died Tuesday at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Another soldier from Alabama stationed at the same military base died Feb. 9. Both of them were members of the 1st Engineering Brigade of the 554th Engineers Battalion.

 

“The soldiers and their families continue to be in our prayers today,” said Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, commanding general of Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood.

 

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but it can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses. Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis can resolve on its own in a couple of weeks — or it can be a life-threatening emergency.

 

Both soldiers had bacterial meningitis, which can result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability and death.

 

Fort Wood officials said they were taking measures to prevent others from becoming infected. They urged soldiers to wash their hands, avoid sharing utensils and to use proper cough etiquette.

 

“This is a serious issue and we are taking aggressive action to do all we can to protect the health, safety and welfare of our people,” Martin said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent four representatives to investigate the deaths.