Meningitis alert


November 18th, 2015

The following advice is issued as a result of a confirmed case of meningitis involving a student resident at Raleigh Park.

The meningococcal bacteria lives in the nose and throat and is only passed on by prolonged intimate contact. The University has worked with local Public Health Doctors and has already identified and traced very close contacts (eg hall residents who have shared a room or kitchen with the affected person) who have been given prophylactic antibiotics. Anyone with more casual contact should be at no greater risk of catching this disease than a member of the general public and does not require treatment.

Members of the University are advised to be especially vigilant over the next few days. The important thing to know is that the disease can develop very rapidly, sometimes within a matter of hours. Early symptoms may be similar to those you get with a flu or hangover:

• feeling feverish
• vomiting
• severe headache
• stiff neck, back and joint pains

If you feel unwell, and your fever or pain symptoms are not relieved by paracetamol or aspirin, you must consult a doctor. Let a friend know you are unwell and ask them to visit you regularly.

If any of the following symtoms develop, get medical help urgently by phoning 111 (free from any phone), as early treatment saves lives:

• rash of tiny red bruises that do not fade under pressure
• severe dislike of light
• disorientation or drowsiness

If you need further information or advice, contact your GP or phone 111 or access one of the following meningitis information websites:

Meningitis Now

Meningitis Research Foundation

Public Health England

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One Comment

November 20th, 2015 at 9:05 am

Rachel

It would also be worth mentioning to students that there is a Men ACWY vaccination programme in place for University students within the age bracket 18-25. This is a vaccine available on the NHS. Details on link below:

https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-meningitis/meningitis-vaccines/current-vaccines/

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