Staff at the Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have been taking urgent steps to counter a possible health threat after a case of meningococcal meningitis was confirmed in one of the Belfast university's students.

Since the weekend, a second suspected case of the disease has been reported and the Senior Medical Officer of the university has been working closely with the PHA to ensure the effective implementation of necessary actions.

The news comes just weeks after a University of Ulster student died as a result of the condition. Undergraduate Fergal McCaughan, who was from the Glenshesk area of Ballycastle, was found dead in his bed by his younger brother just days before the start of the new term.

However, at QUB, all appropriate measures have been taken and preventative antibiotics have been organised for contacts.

The infected students are in first year QUB Dentistry courses and antibiotics are being offered to students in first year Dentistry and first year Medicine who share lectures, as a precautionary measure.

Although not particularly common in this age group, all young people aged 16-24 years-old, particularly those attending university, need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Staff and students who may experience symptoms including severe headache, dislike of bright lights, vomiting, neck stiffness, a non-blanching rash and drowsiness should contact their GP or local A&E department immediately.

Staff, students and young people should also watch out for these signs and symptoms in their friends.

However, students should note that all classes are continuing as normal.

Further information is available at www.meningitis.org or by ringing the MRF 24 hour freephone helpline on 080 8800 3344.

See: Meningitis Tragedy

(BMcC/KMcA)