Cardigan News
Student dies of meningitis
1:16pm Monday 30th January 2012
Everyone in the area is being urged to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis after a student at Pembrokeshire College died of the disease last week.
The Meningitis Trust says the disease can strike in minutes and kill within hours.
“If you know of anyone who is concerned about their own, or someone else’s health, please make sure that they seek medical attention immediately,” said a spokesperson.
The student, who has not been named, died between Thursday night and Friday morning, said Public Health Wales (PHW).
The student contracted the meningococcal serotype group B strain and immediate family and close friends have received antibiotics.
College principal Sharron Lusher said: "Staff and students from across the college wish to extend their heartfelt condolences to the student's family and friends.
"We are all devastated by the news and will be offering support to any students affected by this tragedy."
PHW said that it had written to students at the college to keep them informed. The letter said students should be vigilant for any symptoms, but they were not thought to be at any risk.
Dr Mac Walapu, consultant in communicable disease control for PHW said meningitis could affect anyone at any time and it was important to be aware of the symptoms, which can include headache, fever, drowsiness, vomiting, neck stiffness and possibly a red rash that did not fade when pressed with a glass tumbler.
More information can be obtained from the Meningitis Research Foundation on 0808 800 3344 or the Meningitis Trust on 0800 028 1828, which both operate 24-hour freephone helplines.