Student Still in Intensive Care

Sam Houston State University student Stacy Countz remains in intensive care at Conroe Regional Medical Center after having been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis Saturday morning.

"She's improving, but she's a long way from being well," her father, Mike Countz, said.

He said Stacy has been treated for an infection and swelling in her brain, and said doctors believe they have the infection under control.

"Doctors have shifted her treatments to help her heal," Countz said.

Stacy has been given medication to improve circulation in her brain, and doctors' main concern now is protecting her from complications while on life support, Countz said.

"She's had some involuntary reflexes, but we still haven't seen any signs of voluntary movement," he said. "She's still not in a conscious state."

Countz said involuntary movement is a basic start to recovery and, "Stacy has to take baby steps to get to where she can go."

"Stacy's been well cared for. The (Huntsville Memorial Hospital) emergency room did an excellent job, and Conroe has an excellent staff and good doctors," he said.

Countz said the community has been responsive, and churches and family friends have visited the hospital to show support.

"Some of Stacy's friends stopped by, and it was sort of a reality for them," Countz said. "It's difficult on kids because they deal with very few people this badly sick."

Countz asked for prayers for his daughter's recovery, and said his family is hoping there are no complications.

He said a lot of people have called to ask if they are at risk, but he said while bacterial meningitis is contagious, it is not easily contracted.

"For example, Stacy would have to be very close to someone when she coughed or sneezed, and even then their bodies would have to be susceptible," he said.

Countz said the circumstances of how Stacy contracted meningitis remain a mystery.

"Actually, we'll probably never know," he said.

Stacy will remain in ICU at the Conroe hospital indefinitely, depending on her progress, he said.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Aug. 9, 2002
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