Students and people of Sheffield are ‘very anxious’ following the outbreak of meningitis at the University of Kent. 

A number of students have been admitted to hospital with suspicions of the bacterial infection that has killed two students in Kent – although no cases have been diagnosed.

Sam Germain, a student at the University of Sheffield, was admitted to hospital this week with symptoms.

He said: “Thankfully it’s not meningitis, which they confirmed after doing some blood tests last night.

“I was submitted on suspicion of it though, but I was ruled out immediately when I went to the walk-in clinic of the bacterial meningitis which is the awful one that’s been going on in Kent. Just a “really really nasty virus” they said.

“I was very anxious as you can imagine, I only went to get checked because of what’s been happening on the news but thankful I did even though it wasn’t anything serious. Hopefully a quick ish recovery.”

The University of Sheffield has sent an email to all students warning of the symptoms and precautions that can be taken to reduce risk. 

Zoe Gough, a final year medicine student at the University of Sheffield, said: “I think as long as people are aware of the ‘red flags’ to do with headaches and symptoms and everyone’s aware then we can all look out for each other, like, if your housemate hasn’t come out their room in a few days, then get them to hospital. Maybe I have less anxiety because I know that if you go early, it is treatable.”

Another student, Rose Palmer, said: “We thought it was a bit scary as we all thought we’ve been vaccinated against it and then we found out it was a different strand. So we looked to see if we could get a vaccine for meningitis B, but because they’re backlogged its made us all feel quite anxious.”

Professor Mary Vincent, Vice-President for Education, said: “There are currently no reported cases of meningitis at the University of Sheffield and the risk of an outbreak remains very low. However, as a general precaution, we are sharing some information for awareness.

“Meningitis is uncommon, but it is important to know the signs so you can seek prompt medical advice if needed as it can progress rapidly.”

NHS Sheffield is also taking precautions and following advice given to them by the NHS HSA, who have put out many warnings and early signs of meningococcal disease, saying students are ‘particularly at risk’ of mistaking these symptoms for a cold, the flu or a hangover.

The NHS HSA have said today, “Given the severity of the outbreak, and as an additional precautionary measure, a targeted vaccination programme will begin, starting with students that are residents of the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent who will be contacted directly. 

“Initially, it’s expected that up to 5,000 students will be contacted and offered the vaccine. UKHSA will continue to assess ongoing risk to other populations and the programme may be extended.