University of Bristol Students' Health Service issues meningitis guidance

By Sofia Lambis, Deputy Editor

On Tuesday, the Students' Health Service shared an email warning students about the signs of Meningitis B.

They urged anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) to seek medical help at the closest Accident and Emergency Department, or by dialling 999.

An outbreak of Meningitis B, linked to a nightclub, emerged earlier this week in Kent, leading to vaccine rollouts on the University of Kent campus and the administering of 2,500 antibiotic doses.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that ' all those affected who are currently linked to the outbreak are young adults.'

Two people, a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and an 18-year-old sixth former, have died as a result of the outbreak.

Highlighting the disease's rapid progression, the University of Bristol Students' Health Service listed signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include:

'A fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.'

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'Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.

That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by calling NHS 111 or contacting their GP if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them.'

They stressed that early detection and treatment can save lives.

The MenACWY vaccination is routinely offered to Year 9 and 10 schoolchildren, however it does not protect against the MenB strain. Although infants have been offered the MenB vaccine on the NHS since 2015, the wider public must seek it privately from pharmacies if they wish to be vaccinated.

The Students' Health Service offers appointments for any new student under the age of 25, who is registered with them and has not had their MeningitisACWY and/or MMR vaccination. Your vaccination history should be visible on the NHS app.