FEARS of a potential meningitis outbreak are growing after a New College student was rushed to hospital with the life-threatening infection.

The 17-year-old, of Lawn, is currently under the care of the Great Western Hospital following an emergency admission on Saturday.

It is still unclear whether he contracted viral meningitis, or the more serious bacterial strand, and the college has said it is preparing to take safety measures to prevent the possible spread of the illness.

The first signs of the infection appeared on Friday when the student was suddenly taken ill.

The following day, he complained of acute pain and developed a rash.

His mother performed the meningitis glass test – pressing a glass against his skin – and the rash did not fade under pressure, a sign of meningococcal septicaemia.

He was admitted to the Great Western Hospital that afternoon and remains in a stable condition according to a hospital spokes-man.

A New College spokesman said: “We were informed this morning that a current student has been diagnosed with meningitis.

“We are currently waiting for medical confirmation of whether the student has viral or bacterial meningitis.

“If the diagnosis is bacterial meningitis, then this will be reported to public health authorities and we will follow their suggested procedures.

“In the meantime, the student’s tutor and immediate friendship circle have been informed.

“We will continue to raise awareness around the college to make sure students know what symptoms to look out for.

“There are two on-site nurses who are available to offer advice and guidance to anyone who is concerned and we will update our students accordingly once we have further information.”

The news comes as the annual Meningitis Awareness Week gets underway today.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

There are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and associated septicaemia every year in the UK.

Meningitis can be mistaken for milder illnesses, such as flu, can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities.

As many as one in 10 of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss.

FACT FILE

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
There are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK.
Anyone can get meningitis, but babies and young children under five years of age are most at risk. A baby or young child with meningitis may:
• have a high fever, with cold hands and feet
• vomit and refuse to feed
• feel agitated and not want to be picked up
• become drowsy, floppy and unresponsive
• grunt or breathe rapidly
• have an unusual high-pitched or moaning cry
• have pale, blotchy skin, and a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
• have a tense, bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle)
• have a stiff neck and dislike bright lights
• have convulsions or seizures
The symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.
In older children, teenagers and adults, the symptoms of meningitis can include:
• a fever, with cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• drowsiness and difficulty waking up
• confusion and irritability
• severe muscle pain
• pale, blotchy skin, and a distinctive rash (although not everyone will have this)
• a severe headache
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• convulsion or seizures
There are two types of meningitis:
• bacterial meningitis – caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae and through close contact. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. If the bacterial infection is left untreated, it can cause severe brain damage and infect the blood (septicaemia).
• viral meningitis – caused by viruses that can be spread through coughing, sneezing and poor hygiene. It is the most common, and less serious, type of meningitis. It's difficult to estimate the number of viral meningitis cases, because symptoms are often so mild that they're mistaken for flu.

  • Diagnosing meningitis can be difficult because it often comes on quickly and can be easily mistaken for flu, as many of the symptoms are the same.
  • The best way to prevent meningitis is by ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date. Children in the UK should receive the available vaccines as part of the childhood vaccination programme.