Friday 18-11-2016 - 14:07

Lancaster University has been informed of a possible case of meningitis in one of our students.

This is still to be confirmed, however as a precaution Public Health England has asked us to issue the information below. Students who share accommodation with this individual have already been contacted directly. Please read the information below carefully and be reassured that when there is a single case of illness in a university, other students and staff are at no greater risk of getting meningitis than the rest of the population.

If you have any concerns about your health please contact your GP directly.

Message from Public Health England:

A student who attends this university has recently been reported as having meningococcal disease. This is infection with the germ that can cause meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). 

You may be concerned about this, but when there is a single case of illness in a university, other students and staff are at no greater risk of getting meningitis than the rest of the population and they do not need antibiotics or vaccination. If you are well you should attend university as usual.

The germ that causes meningococcal disease is often found in our throats. It causes no symptoms at all in most people, but a few people become ill when they pick up the germ.

Symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia may include:

• Severe headache

• Neck stiffness

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Drowsiness or confusion

• Discomfort from bright light

• Limb joint or muscle pain

• Rash which does not go pale when pressed

It is important that you are always vigilant, and if anyone becomes ill with symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia you should get urgent medical help right away. 

You can find out more about meningitis from:

The Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org 080 8800 3344 (24hours)

The Meningitis Trust   www.meningitisnow.org 080 8801 0388 (24 hours)