A British university student has died from meningitis, while two others are still receiving treatment / Picture: Getty Images
A university student in the UK has died from meningitis and two others are receiving treatment, health officials said, according to the BBC.The UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) confirmed the death of the student, who attended Henley College in Oxfordshire. The authorities added that antibiotics are being provided to close contacts of those affected as a precautionary measure.The agency confirmed one case of meningitis B, commonly known as MenB, while further testing of the remaining cases continues.The college confirmed in a statement that the student died earlier this week.“We offer our condolences and sincere condolences to the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” the college said.“We are supporting those affected within the university community and following the advice and guidance provided by the UK Health Safety Authority.”Health officials stressed that while the investigation is ongoing, the overall risk to the general public remains low.UKHSA epidemiology consultant Dr Shamez Ladhani told the BBC it was “really unfortunate” to have multiple outbreaks reported in a short period of time.“It’s a very rare disease, but when it develops, it can be very fatal,” he said.Ladani explained that investigators have identified social links between the three cases linked to Reading and believe they may be related to the same strain.He added that authorities were tracing contacts and providing preventive antibiotics and vaccines if necessary.The development follows recent outbreaks of meningitis elsewhere in England, including cases in Kent linked to a nightclub in Canterbury and another cluster reported in Dorset earlier this year.According to health officials, meningococcal disease affects around 300 to 400 people in England each year and is most common in babies, teenagers and young adults.Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and a rash that does not subside with pressure.UKHSA is urging young people to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine available through the NHS for under-25s.
