Campus meningitis fears spur charity to act

A leading charity is to teach universities and colleges how to deal with a meningitis outbreak after the disease claimed the lives of 15 people in the sector last year, writes Julia Hinde.

The Meningitis Research Foundation is planing a conference in October to coincide with the first weeks of the new academic year, when freshers appear most at risk.

The conference follows a doubling over the past two years in the number of cases of the potentially fatal infection in the 15 to 24-year-old age group.

According to the charity, rates of meningococcal infection may be higher in university students than in others in the same age group. Questionnaires have been sent to a range of higher education institutions. Of those who have so far returned the survey almost all report at least one case of the infection last year. Full results will be presented to the conference.

As well as informing universities about how to recognise signs and deal medically with meningitis infections, the conference will provide advice on preventing panic and providing sensible advice, as well as dealing with the press.

For further information contact Janette Murray on 01454 281811.