PUBLIC Health England is working closely with New College in Swindon following a case of bacterial meningitis in a student that attends the college.

The student is currently receiving treatment and is recovering.

PHE’s Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Centre have been working to identify close contacts of the case during the incubation period of this infection to eliminate asymptomatic carriage and hopefully prevent the further spread of this infection.

PHE has arranged antibiotics for the close contacts of the case. PHE has also provided information to remind them of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection, which can cause meningitis, as well as septicaemia.

Dr Bharat Pankhania, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Public Health England Centre, said: “We understand that there will be concern among students, staff and parents following this case, and we are following national guidelines in implementing control measures such as eliminating carriage in close contacts in order to reduce spread of infection.

“The best advice remains for everyone to be aware of and alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection, especially students and their parents. Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, if in the next 14 days or so anyone is feeling unusually unwell they should contact their GP.”

Amanda Walton, Head of Marketing and Customer Services at New College said: “New College Swindon was informed this morning that a current student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Public Health England has been in touch with us and we are taking advice and are following their guidance. “This week is Meningitis Awareness Week and the College already had information about this disease on display. We will continue to raise awareness around the College to ensure students know what symptoms to look out for and what to do in case they are unwell.

“There are two on-site nurses available to offer advice and guidance to anyone who is concerned and we will update our students accordingly if there are additional actions to take.

“The student is recovering, is well and we wish them all the best for a speedy recovery.”