Quit panicking about Ebola, meningitis is on the loose

A fresher who was rushed to hospital has a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis.

The Biological Sciences student was diagnosed with the deadly disease after he was taken to hospital on Monday.

The University have told anyone who has been in close contact with the first year, who lives in Rowancroft, to seek medical advice as they will be issued with preventive antibiotics.

Bacterial meningitis can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities.

Rowancroft: the site of the outbreak.

Vomiting is just one of the symptoms to look out for

An email has been sent round to a collection of students from the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control.

It said: “The risk of contracting meningitis is extremely small.

“The meningococcal bacteria lives in the nose and throat and is only passed on by prolonged, close contact.

“If you think you may have had close contact become 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, which are:

•  Feeling feverish

•  Vomiting

•  Severe headache

•  Stiff neck, back and joint paints

If you feel ill, get medical help immediately

If any of the following symptoms develop get medical help urgently:

•  A rash of tiny red bruises that don’t face under pressure

•  A severe dislike of light

•  Disorientation

Emily MicIndoe, a second year English student said: “It’s a bit scary, I know some of the symptoms but I think it’s always good to have more info available just in case.”

Eleanor Marsh, another second year said: “I wasn’t actually aware that there had been an outbreak.

“I guess now that I know I suppose it is a bit worrying – and I don’t really know the symptoms, so education sounds like a good plan to tackle it.”

In an emergency, call an ambulance on 999 and please either contact the University yourself or ask someone to do so on your behalf (Estate Patrol Tel: 01392 263999)