DYERSBURG, Tenn. – Funeral arrangements have been set for the Middle Tennessee State University student who died from what health officials said was a case of bacterial meningitis.
Visitation for 18-year-old Jacob Nunley will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery.
The freshman from Dyersburg died Monday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, prompting an investigation by the Tennessee Department of Health.
Students at MTSU were notified Monday of Nunley's death and were being given out antibiotics from the student health services as a precaution. Health officials said anyone who may have come in direct, close contact with Nunley from September 2 to September 10 should contact a medical care professional.
Many students at MTSU said they are taking extra precautions after learning of Jacob's death. More than 400 have already taken an antibiotic available from the campus student health center.
Meningicoccal Disease is rare. According to the State Health Department, the number of cases have declined since 2007 and 2008 when 21 were reported. Three cases have been reported so far in 2012. In some cases, like Jacob's, the symptoms can progress very quickly.
There's a vaccine to help protect students against it, but unlike many other states, it's not required in Tennessee.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Jacob Nunley Fund C/O Alecia Gibbons at First Citizens National Bank, Regions Bank, First State Bank or to the charity of the donor's choice.
A Facebook page has been set up called "Remembering Jacob Nunley" for friends to leave messages to Jacob's family.
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