Student dies from meningitis

First year student living in Tower died from the illness yesterday

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A first year University of Manchester student has died from meningitis.

The student, who was thought to have lived on the second floor of the Tower, was pronounced dead yesterday.

At 8pm last night, an ambulance and rapid response unit were called to Owens Park after reports of a male student vomiting.

Sadly, the student died after being taken to hospital.

The university have reported that the greater student body is not at risk of the highly contagious disease, however those who had been in contact with the man have been given antibiotics as a safety measure.

Other students have been notified to get hold of antibiotics if they have not had the appropriate vaccines.

Dr Tim Westlake, Director for the Student Experience at The University of Manchester, told The Tab: “We are saddened to hear of the death of one of our students and our thoughts are with his family.

“Following advice from Public Health England, students living at Owens Park Tower have received guidance from Occupational Health advising that they are not at increased risk of infection.

“In line with public health guidance, a small number of students who have been in very close contact have been identified and offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.”

Christopher Head, Chief Executive Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) told us: “Everyone at MRF was saddened to hear about the death of a student from the University of Manchester from suspected meningitis and our thoughts are with their family and friends.

“Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases which can strike without warning and can affect anyone, of any age, at any time.

“Vaccines have almost eliminated some types of meningitis but not all of them. Children are currently vaccinated against Hib, MenC and 13 strains of pneumococcal meningitis.

“A MenB vaccine (Bexsero) was recommended for infants in the UK in March 2014 and is available privately but a timetable for implementation free of charge on the NHS is yet to be confirmed.”

Anyone who would like further information about the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia or have any concerns should visit: www.meningitis.org or call the Freefone Helpline: 080 8800 3344

After the confirmation from Public Health England, warnings of symptoms have been given to other students to avoid it being mistaken for something less serious.

Early symptoms are similar to those of flu or a hangover: headaches, nausea, drowsiness, stiffness.

Other symptoms include: aversion to light, limb pain, rash.

Thoughts are with the student’s family at this difficult time.

If you are concerned about meningitis, visit meningitisnow.org for advice, or download their symptoms app.