6-1-98

                       NEWS ADVISORY:
       STUDENT DIES OF MENINGITIS, UNIVERSITY RESPONDS

	An Ohio State University student died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday (5/31) 
at The Ohio State University Medicial Center after having been 
transported there from his residence hall room.  Terel L. Tinsley, 20, 
a freshman from Decatur, Ga., died of bacterial meningitis 
(meningicoccal meningitis), despite aggressive efforts by the hospital 
medical staff.

	This rare disease can be transmitted through saliva, such as from 
sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils, kissing, sneezing or 
coughing, or sharing cigarettes.  All persons who have had close 
contact with Terel Tinsley in the past week are being advised to 
contact their physicians or the Ohio State University Student Health 
Services (292-2112).  A precautionary antibiotic can be prescribed.

	Last night, the university's residence halls staff and the OSU 
Medical Center staff immediately began notifying residents and staff 
of Siebert Hall, where Tinsley lived, and offering them preventive 
treatment.  Today, students and faculty members in his classes are 
being notified and offered treatment.  No other cases have been 
reported.

	Dr. Ted Grace, director of the student health center, explains 
that this is a serious disease, but requires close contact to 
transmit.  The incubation period is seven to ten days, and symptoms 
include severe headaches, sudden onset high fever, nausea, stiff neck 
and mental confusion.

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Contacts: Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, 292-8424
          Dr. Ted Grace, Student Health Center, 292-0110

NOTE: PLEASE DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO THE CONTACTS ABOVE.  WE REQUEST 
YOUR COOPERATION IN NOT CONTACTING THE STAFF OR RESIDENTS OF SIEBERT 
HALL DIRECTLY.