The two Ohio University students diagnosed with bacterial meningitis will return to campus before the end of Winter Quarter, said Ryan Lombardi, dean of students, in a news release.
We're very pleased to hear both students are on the mend
and we're looking forward to having them back on campus Lombardi said in the release. They have started working with their colleges to make up assignments they've missed.
Hospitals discharged freshmen John O'Brien, 19, from Columbus, and Michael Crane, 19, from Bellbrook, over the weekend, hospital officials said.
O'Brien, son of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, was in serious condition until Friday afternoon, hospital officials said.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Potentially fatal, the most common symptoms include stiff neck, fever and headache.
OU confirmed the two had bacterial meningitis early last week.
The two students both take the same section of Art 110, according to an e-mail from Lombardi to the other students in the class.
This is the only known connection between them, said Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs.
O'Brien lives in Crawford Hall on South Green, and Crane lives in James Hall on West Green. Crane's mother confirmed that he was vaccinated before arriving at OU in the fall.
In response, Hudson Health Center began offering preventative antibiotics and vaccinations.
As of Monday evening, Hudson had given antibiotics to 388 students while vaccinating 56.
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Frank Thomas
