Three cases of meningococcal infection (meningitis) have been found in young people in Reading, according the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA).

The agency said one young person has died.

“Sadly, one of the individuals has died and our thoughts and condolences are with their friends and family.”

The other two cases are receiving treatment in hospital.

People who have come into close contact with the three meningitis cases are being offered antibiotics “as a precaution”, and information about meningitis symptoms has been passed to students and parents at “all affected schools”.

UKSA said the risk to the wider public “remains low”.

The agency said one of the cases has been confirmed as Meningitis B, while test results for the other cases have not yet come through.

Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: 

“We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student. 

“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases, however meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread and large outbreaks as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.

“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases. Meningococcal disease does not spread easily and the risk to the wider public remains low. 

“Anyone can get meningitis, and around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year. It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms. They can appear in any order and may not all be present, so seek rapid medical attention if there is ever any concern.

“Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and sepsis can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Sepsis can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.”

UKSA said young people should check that they are up to date with their vaccinations.

Early symptoms of meningitis such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu, but someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.

Early recognition of meningitis and sepsis symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include:

• fever
• a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• rash
• confusion, delirium
• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
• fits 

UKSA said their specialists are working closely with local authority and NHS partners in Reading following the discovery of the three cases.

The vehicles were stopped in a ‘commercial vehicle enforcement operation’ conducted in Bicester on Thursday.

During the operation 29 alleged offences were identified and dealt with.

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Two drivers were arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

Another driver was arrested on suspicion of immigration-related offences.

The alleged offences included three hazardous goods breaches, six vehicles with illegal tyres, and one driving without due care and attention.

One driver was found with an insecure load, one had an illegal window tint, one did not have a valid MOT, and one was stopped due to a mobile phone offence, police say.

Four vehicles were stopped for being overweight and four were tachograph offences which involves mandatory devices for recording driving time, speed, and distance in commercial vehicles.

One vehicle was stopped in relation to a suspected seatbelt offence, one for no operators licence, one for a mobile phone offence and four for lighting offences.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “These targeted operations are carried out regularly and will continue as part of our ongoing commitment to improving road safety.”

Charlotte Young, of Griffin Lane, Aylesbury, was sentenced to three years in jail at Amersham Crown Court on Friday, May 8, after pleading guilty to two counts of theft by employee.

The 45-year-old worked as treasurer and accountant for the Long Crendon Community Social Club and Long Crendon Village Association, when she stole thousands of pounds from their accounts.

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She took more than £125,600 from the social club’s account and nearly £29,500 from the village association.

Charlotte Young, 45, was jailed for three years for fraud after stealing £150k from the charities (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Young was arrested on October 19, 2023, and charged two years later, on October 21, 2025.

Detective constable with the Thames Valley Police, Stephanie Mason of the central fraud unit, said: “Young had a previous conviction for fraud and went on to commit further offences in a similar manner, evidently believing she would evade detection.

“These offences spanned an eight-year period and had a significant impact on a community that had dedicated their time and effort to raising funds for charitable causes.

“The custodial sentence imposed is, in my view, wholly appropriate and serves as a clear reminder that such actions carry serious consequences.”

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The Long Crendon Village Association works to preserve the heritage and create a ‘sustainable future’ for the small village in Buckinghamshire, which is just over the Oxfordshire border from Thame.

Long Crendon community centre, where the social group and association are based (Image: Wikimedia Commons / Paul Shreeve)

The police’s central fraud unit detective inspector Duncan Wynn said: “I am pleased with this conviction which comes after Young pleaded guilty following a thorough and extensive investigation by DC Stephanie Mason and the Buckinghamshire Fraud Team.

“The sentence reflects the severity of the offences whereby Young systematically exploited the position of trust she was placed into and stole over £150,000 of money which was raised by the community for charitable purposes.

“These selfish acts have left a huge whole in much needed community funds.

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“Young showed complete disregard for this and covered her tracks well enough to be able to live a lavish lifestyle on these ill-gotten gains for eight years.

“I hope that the sentence imposed will act as a deterrent to others and demonstrate our commitment to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice on behalf of victims.

“Thames Valley Police will use all proceeds of crime powers available to ensure as much of the stolen money as possible can be returned to the victim and will ensure Young is stripped of any assets and financial benefit she acquired using stolen funds.”