The University College London’s (UCL) Director of Student Support and Wellbeing announced Friday that a person associated with UCL was recently admitted to hospital with suspected meningococcal meningitis.
UCL is working closely with Public Health England and have identified all of those who had close contact with the person and arranged a course of antibiotics for them as a precautionary measure. The antibiotics are given to kill the meningococci that they may be carrying in their nose or throat, and will reduce the risk of infection to others.
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Although the risk to other members of the UCL community is generally low, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, which can include fever, a severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness or confusion, aversion to bright light, painful joints, nausea and vomiting.
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It can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass. Early symptoms of meningitis can easily be mistaken for something else, such as the flu.
Student Support also advises students to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations.
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