Oxford university ‘actively monitoring’ meningitis outbreak

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases of meningitis have been confirmed and a further 12 are under investigation.

This takes the total to 27 cases of either confirmed or suspected meningitis, up from 20 on Wednesday. Two students have died in the outbreak.

So far, there are no recorded cases of meningitis in Oxfordshire.

Both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University have been distributing advice to its respective students around meningitis.

A spokesman from Oxford Brookes said: “The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is our top priority.

“We shared health advice with students and staff earlier this week, including information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and the importance of seeking urgent medical attention if they, or someone they know, feels unwell.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and are working in line with guidance from Public Health England and the UK Health Security Agency.”

Oxford Brookes (Image: Supplied)

Oxford University (Image: Other)

Oxford University students went home for the end of term on March 14, prior to the outbreak in Kent, and are expected to come back to the city in April.

Staff have been sharing information and advice with students in the meantime.

On a visit to the University of Kent on Thursday, health secretary Wes Streeting said the menB jab will be offered to more people.

According to Mr Streeting, more than 600 vaccinations were administered on the first afternoon. Thousands of students will be offered it in the coming days.

The White Horse Medical Centre in Faringdon said: “We know this has caused concern, and many patients have contacted us already.

“Good news for Oxfordshire. There are currently no cases or concerns in Oxfordshire.

“All confirmed cases remain centred in Kent, with no evidence of spread to other regions.”

Oxford University Hospitals Trust said: “Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

“The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help.

“Visit nhs.uk and search ‘Meningitis’ or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting

The Health Secretary told reporters on the Canterbury campus that the outbreak of meningitis “isn’t like Covid”, and that the risk to the general public is “extremely low”.

MenB spreads through prolonged close contact or intimate contact such as kissing.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, muscle and joint pain, pale, mottled or blotchy skin, spots or a rash, a headache, a stiff neck, aversion to bright lights, being very sleepy and seizures.

The UKHSA has urged those who think they may have symptoms to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111.