TRIBUTES have been paid to a student at Oxford University who died of meningitis.

Antonia Bruch, a first-year theology student at Regent’s Park College in Pusey Street, died last Tuesday after contracting bacterial meningitis.

Last night Dr Robert Ellis, principal of Regent’s Park, said the college was deeply saddened by the death of Ms Bruch, whom he described as a “popular and valued” student.

The Thames Valley Health Protection Agency has given precautionary antibiotic treatments to Ms Bruch’s close contacts and sent letters to students and staff detailing signs and symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms include a high fever, stiffness in the neck, drowsiness or confusion, severe headaches, a dislike of bright lights and red or purple bruise-like spots that do not fade under pressure. The HPA has urged anyone in doubt to seek medical advice.