Duck invasion raises temperature for meningitis awareness

Thousands of colour changing ducks are to invade the University of Teesside. However, the black, purple, red and orange ducks are plastic. The ducks will highlight meningitis symptoms to the University’s students during a week long campaign, from Monday 10 – Friday 14 October.

During the campaign information will be available for first year students, via Students’ Union activities, fliers in library books and staff around campus.

Aline Marron, Student Health Adviser at the University of Teesside said: “We’ve chosen these ducks as they change colour when the temperature rises. The colours highlight the swift changes that can occur in someone’s condition with meningitis.

Students fall into the 18-25 year old age group who are slightly more at risk. The symptoms can be similar to flu, and students need to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms and look out for themselves and their friends.

Even if they have been vaccinated against Meningitis C they are not protected against other strains such as Meningitis B which accounts for the highest number of cases.

If students experience any of the following symptoms they should seek immediate medical help.”

The main symptoms are:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck - unable to put chin to chest
• High temperature
• Vomiting
• Joint or muscle pain
• Aversion to bright lights
• Drowsiness
• A rash which does not fade when a clear drinking glass is rolled on it.

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