News
22 February 2007
Advice on meningitis
The University is working with the Health Protection Agency after one student was admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital with suspected meningitis. The student is in a stable and comfortable condition and we are in regular contact with the family and hospital.
The bacteria does not spread easily and those students who have had prolonged, close contact with the student are at a slightly greater risk of getting ill. These people have been immediately identified and given antibiotics to stop the bacteria spreading.
No further action is necessary at the present time. There is no reason to make any change in the University and no reason for students to stay at home.
Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the back of the throat of about one in ten people at any one time, but only very rarely cause illness. Most people who carry the bacteria become immune to them. These people have been identified and given antibiotics to stop the bacteria spreading. Meningitis C Vaccine protects against one strain of this bacteria and is recommended for all students. However, other strains, not covered by the vaccine, can still cause disease.
Although the risk of another case is very small, it is sensible to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These are:
| Meningitis | Septicaemia |
|---|---|
| Fever | Fever |
| Vomiting | Vomiting |
| Severe headache | Bruising rash |
| Stiff neck | Rapid breathing |
| Dislike of bright light | Cold hands and feet |
| Joint / muscle pain |
NOT ALL OF THESE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MAY SHOW AT ONCE, but someone with this illness will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days BUT IT CAN ALSO DEVELOP VERY RAPIDLY, sometimes in a matter of hours.
Diagnosis in the early stages can be difficult. The early signs can be like bad ‘flu’ symptoms but be WATCHFUL and use your instincts. IF SOMEONE BECOMES ILL WITH SOME OF THESE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS, CONTACT THE DOCTOR URGENTLY and ask for advice.
If you have individual worries about this case, you can speak to a member of the public health team on 01865 226858 during normal working hours.
Further information is available from:
- The Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org 0808 800 3344 (24hr Helpline)
- The Meningitis Trust www.meningitis-trust.org 0845 6000 800 (24hr Support Line)
- NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 0845 46 47
