MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
A Middle Tennessee State University student has died from complications related to what doctors believe is bacterial meningitis.
Jacob Nunley, 18, died Monday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Nunley, a sophomore at MTSU, graduated from Dyersburg High School in 2011.
In a statement, Sigma Alpha Epsilon staff said health officials have deemed the SAE fraternity house at MTSU safe for occupancy, but chapter members have received vaccinations as a precaution.
The statement continued:
"We offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Nunley's family and friends. In addition, staff and local alumni leaders will work with university officials to provide guidance and support to our chapter members at Middle Tennessee State University during this difficult time."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial meningitis affects more than 4,000 people each year in the United States, resulting in 500 deaths.
"This is a rare infection, but can be serious. The vaccine can prevent some of these, so it's important to get vaccinated. It's recommended. If you have any symptoms of concern, particularly if you are exposed to an individual who may have this infection, go see your doctor sooner rather than later and get checked out. No need to panic, but get checked out," said Dr. Thomas Talbot, with Vanderbilt Medical Center.
For more information on risk factors and symptoms, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html.
Nunley's fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, has set up a Facebook memorial page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remembering-Jacob-Nunley/301660573275108.
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