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Students urged to B aware of meningitis
26 September 2005
Students from universities and colleges across England have today been sent information warning them to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia - two potentially life threatening diseases. The student mailing coincides with the start of the new academic year.
There are a number of different types of meningitis in the UK - caused by different bacteria and viruses - but bacterial meningitis is the one that causes the most concern for students and young people, particularly when it is caused by Meningococcal group B (Men B) bacteria. Meningococcal group B meningitis, and septicaemia (blood poisoning caused by the bacteria getting into the bloodstream) can be life threatening. Unlike with other types of meningitis, such as Meningococcal group C (Men C) disease - which many students and young people are immunised against, there is no vaccine against the Men B type of the disease, and so it is especially important that young people are aware of meningitis and septicaemia.
It's not clear what makes students more susceptible to meningococcal disease, but research has shown that up to one in four students and young people carry the bacteria that can cause it, compared to one in 10 of the general population.
These increased carriage rates, combined with the close quarter living conditions that many students live in, and the likelihood, especially during Fresher's week, of students kissing each other (and therefore exchanging saliva), mean that they are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, and for this reason it is vital that they are made aware of the signs and symptoms, and that they know what to do if they suspect they have meningitis.
For this reason, packs of literature have been sent to all student union welfare officers around the UK. It is hoped that universities will display the information in popular areas, so that students become more aware of the disease, are able to easily spot its signs and symptoms, and know what to do if they suspect they have it.
Included in the packs of literature are:
- Department of Health flyers advising students of the risk meningitis presents to them - and detailing the signs and symptoms;
- Meningitis Research Foundation posters and postcards highlighting the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia;
- Meningitis Trust Support for Life posters detailing the support services the Meningitis Trust can provide to those affected by meningitis.
- Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, says: "Many students wrongly believe that they are protected against meningitis if they have had the Meningitis C vaccination. What they fail to realise though is that there are many different types of meningitis, so while the Men C vaccination will protect them against one of the organisms that can cause the disease; it doesn't cover them against all types. Particularly it doesn't cover them against Men B - the most common type of bacterial meningitis in the UK at present.
Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive Meningitis Research Foundation, says: "Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which can kill in hours. As students are in the second highest risk group of contracting these diseases it is important that they are aware of the symptoms and know what to do if they suspect someone is ill. Knowing the symptoms saves lives."
Philip Kirby, Chief Executive, Meningitis Trust, adds: "Meningitis and septicaemia are horrible diseases. They can take hold very quickly and can have a devastating impact. Whilst one in ten cases results in death, many more can be left with after effects including brain damage, deafness, limb loss and scarring, so it's vitally important that people know how to spot the signs and symptoms, and that they also know where to go for help and support if they are affected by it."
More information about meningitis and septicaemia can be obtained by contacting:
- Meningitis Research Foundation
Freefone 24 hour helpline: 080 8800 3344
- Meningitis Trust
24 hour nurse-led helpline: 0845 6000 800
www.meningitis-trust.org
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk