Information from the University of Teesside

An engineering student at the University of Teesside was admitted to South Cleveland Hospital last night (Monday, 24 January) with suspected meningococcal septicaemia.

The student, who lives in University-owned accommodation in King Edward’s Square, Middlesbrough, was kept in hospital overnight and given antibiotics. Tests were being taken today to establish whether the patient has a confirmed case of meningococcal septicaemia.

The University was informed about the suspected case of meningococcal septicaemia this morning and medical advice provided by Dr Ian Holtby, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with Tees Health Authority, is being followed. This includes providing antibiotics in the form of tablets to the five students living in the same accommodation as the patient. Medical advice given to the University is that it is not necessary to widen the number of students being offered antibiotics.

Any students, or staff, wishing to obtain further information should contact the University’s Student Services Department or telephone 342251.

Media inquiries should be made to the University’s Press and Public Relations Office, tel 01642 342015.

The University has for the last two years issued advice and information to students at the start of each new academic year, including running a joint Meningitis Awareness Week in October with the Students’ Union. This includes advising students to seek immediate medical help if they suspect they or a friend may have the disease. The University was also involved at the start of the new academic year (October, 1999) in offering first year students the opportunity to be vaccinated against Meningitis A/C.

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