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University of Sussex Media Release.
. Statement Regarding Meningococcal Disease

29/01/99
For Immediate Release

Students and staff at the University of Sussex are being urged to be vigilant about the symptoms of meningococcal disease following the admission to hospital yesterday (28 January) of a 20 year old student. The student, who is from France, was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton with suspected meningococcal septicaemia. He is in a stable but critical condition.

Close contacts of the student have received anti-biotics in line with national guidelines.

Dr Angela Iversen, consultant in communicable disease control, said, "The risk of another case occurring is small but staff and students should be vigilant about the symptoms, keep a close eye on anyone who is feeling unwell and seek advice from the health centre if they are at all concerned."

The University is setting up a helpline and staff are liaising closely with public health doctors and the health centre.

Students and staff can also contact the National Meningitis 24-hour support line on 0845 6000 800

For further information contact Sue Yates, Information Officer, University of Sussex, Tel. 01273 678384, Fax 01273 678335, email s.m.yates@sussex.ac.uk or Madeleine Mayhew, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority. Tel: 01273 403553

Note to news editors: the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are: vomiting, high temperature/fever/stiff neck; dislike of bright lights; drowiness/lethargy; joint pains; rash - tiny blood spots or bruising under the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body and do not turn white when pressed.

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