McGill student death attributed to natural causes

The Quebec coroner's office has informed McGill University that Kathleen Currier, a student who died last month in residence, died from natural causes.

The probable cause of the tragic death was a severe form of hepatitis, which is an extremely rare complication resulting from mononucleosis, according to the coroner.

"This is very rare and there have been fewer than ten cases reported in medical literature," Dr Pierre-Paul Tellier, Director of the McGill Student Health Services, told students at an information meeting at the residence today.

"It occurs in individuals whose immune system is already weakened. It is important that everyone understands that there are no significant risks to others."

Mononucleosis is a communicable disease, transmitted most commonly through bodily fluids such as saliva. As a precautionary measure, the University is advising people who were in very close contact with the victim to consult their family doctors or McGill health professionals if they are feeling fatigue, or experiencing fever or sore throat.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Robinson, Associate Vice-Principal (Communications).

Also see the previous media release regarding Kathleen Currier.