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Search forWarnings after Bristol meningitis death
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 07:50
The male student died on Friday, two days after being admitted to the Bristol Royal Infirmary with the bacterial infection.
The Health Protection Agency has provided medication to the student's housemates, friends and relatives.
The university has written a letter to all its undergraduate students warning them of the signs and symptoms of the infection.
He had been living in private rented accommodation and not in one of university's halls of residence.
Among those identified as having close contact with the student are a group of students from the University of the West of England, who have been given antibiotics. UWE students have also been sent a letter outlining signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Bristol University's vice-chancellor Professor Eric Thomas, said: "This is a tragic loss of a promising young life."
Dr Joyshri Sarangi, Avon Health Protection Agency consultant in communicable disease control, said: "Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia can greatly improve the outcome of the disease."
Jill Cartwright, spokeswoman for the university, said: "It's the first time we've had a death of a student from meningitis in my time here, and that's five years.
"Thankfully there are no other cases at the moment.
"The critical period is two weeks from the first case so we are being vigilant at the moment."
Harpinder Collacott, head of communications and campaigns at the Thornbury-based Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "Students are one of the groups most at risk from meningitis and septicaemia. They are in a new environment and mixing with a large amount of people in close proximity which increases the risk of contracting the disease.
"During the winter months there will be an increase in cases of meningitis and septicaemia, therefore it is vital to be aware of the symptoms.
"I'd encourage anyone with concerns about meningitis and septicaemia to call our free phone 24-hour helpline – 0808 800 3344 – for symptoms information and support from our dedicated helpline team."
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