Important Information: Meningitis Update
You may have seen recent media reports about confirmed cases of meningitis at another UK university in Kent.
There is no cause for concern on our campuses currently, but we wanted to share the key information, based on NHS guidance, as a precaution and to ensure you have clear, trusted guidance.
Meningitis is rare, but being informed about symptoms and knowing when to seek medical advice can make a real difference. The information is intended to help you look after your own health and check in on friends and family if you have any concerns.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacterial meningitis is quite rare but can be very serious and if caught, needs urgent treatment. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis - NHS
How meningitis is spread
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- kissing
The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common. It's possible to get meningitis more than once.
Know the symptoms
Sometimes symptoms can be difficult to spot, but being aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, remaining vigilant and getting medical help quickly can save lives.
The symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. Early symptoms can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits).
What can you do?
- Get vaccinated: If you’re not already, register with a doctor as soon as you can and arrange for the vaccination
- Know the symptoms: Symptoms can sometimes be hard to spot, but knowing what they are could help save lives
- Check in on your friends and housemates: Make sure to check in on your friends. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or one of your friends could have meningitis or sepsis. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
The primary protection against meningitis is vaccination but the below is good advice to help protect against all infectious diseases:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in crowded areas.
- Avoid Shared Items: Do not share cutlery, toothbrushes, drinks, vapes or cigarettes, as bacteria and viruses are spread through saliva.
- Close Contact Precautions: Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill. People living with someone diagnosed with bacterial meningitis may be given precautionary antibiotics.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes to limit the spread of droplets.
The MenACWY vaccine
The vaccine protects against disease caused by four of the main groups of meningococcal bacteria - A, C, W and Y. The vaccine is offered to first year university students under the age of 25 and your GP can advise on eligibility. The vaccine will take approximately two weeks to become protective against meningitis, but remember that no vaccine will offer complete protection from meningitis.
If you think that you or someone you know may have meningitis
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. If someone you know is showing any signs of the illness take action.
If you think that you or someone you know may have meningitis
- Call 111 or your local GP
- Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency centre
- Call 999 for an ambulance
- Describe the symptoms carefully and say that you think it could be meningitis.
Useful information
Meningitis Research Foundation
meningitis.org or call 080 8800 3344
Meningitis explained
Meningitis - NHS
MenACWY vaccine - NHS
Wellbeing Support
If you feel that you would benefit from wellbeing support at this time, please do self-refer to the Wellbeing team by emailing: studentwellbeing@london.aru.ac.uk or by filling in the Self-Referral form available on your VLE, under the Student Wellbeing tile.