Meningitis

 

Meningitis is rare, but it can be very serious. It is an infection that affects the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but teenagers and young adults are one of the groups more at risk.

There have recently been cases of meningitis reported in the local area. We understand this may feel worrying for students, parents and carers. Public health teams have advised that the risk to the wider school and college community remains low, and students should continue to attend college as normal unless they are unwell or have been directly told not to attend by a health professional or UKHSA.

This page explains what to look out for, what to do if you are worried, and how to report an absence.

Know the signs

Meningitis can develop quickly. The symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone gets every symptom. A rash does not always appear, so do not wait for a rash before getting help. Symptoms can include:

  • High temperature or fever
  • A bad headache
  • Feeling or being sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • A stiff neck
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Feeling very sleepy, confused or difficult to wake
  • Seizures or fits
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Very cold hands and feet
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
The rash test

Some people with meningitis or sepsis may develop a rash. This can look like tiny red or purple pin-prick marks, or bruising.

To check it, press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin. If the rash does not fade, get emergency medical help straight away.

On darker skin, a rash may be harder to see. Check lighter areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the eyelids or the roof of the mouth.

What to do if you are worried

If you think you or someone else may have meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Trust your instincts. Someone with meningitis can become seriously unwell very quickly.

If you are not sure what to do, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.

If you have already spoken to a medical professional but symptoms get worse, or you are still worried, ask for medical help again.

If someone goes to bed feeling unwell, check on them regularly.

How meningitis spreads

Meningitis can be caused by different infections. Some types are bacterial and some are viral. Bacterial meningitis is less common, but it can be more serious.

The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis do not spread easily. They usually need close or prolonged contact, such as:

  • Living in the same household
  • Sharing sleeping accommodation
  • Kissing
  • Sharing drinks, bottles or vapes
  • Close contact with saliva

Being in the same classroom, corridor or college building is not usually classed as close contact.

How to reduce the risk

You can help reduce the spread of infections by:

  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Covering coughs and sneezes
  • Avoiding sharing drinks, bottles, cutlery, cigarettes or vapes
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell
  • Keeping up to date with routine vaccinations
  • Getting medical advice quickly if symptoms appear

Vaccines protect against some types of meningitis, but not all of them. If you are unsure whether you or your child is up to date with vaccinations, check the NHS App, your child’s Red Book, or contact your GP surgery.

Should students still come to college?

Yes, students should continue to attend college as normal unless they are unwell or have been told not to attend by a health professional or UKHSA.

Government and UKHSA guidance says that schools, colleges and other education settings should continue to operate as normal unless public health teams advise otherwise.

A student should not come to college if:

  • They are very unwell
  • They have a high temperature and do not feel well enough to take part in normal activities
  • They have suspected or confirmed meningitis or septicaemia
  • A doctor, NHS 111, UKHSA or another health professional has told them to stay at home

If a student has meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia, they should stay away from college until they have recovered. For viral meningitis, public health exclusion is not usually required, but students should only return when they feel well enough.

Reporting an absence

If a student is absent because they are unwell, please report it as soon as possible using the Attendance Hotline: 07785 511267

If meningitis is suspected or confirmed, please seek urgent medical help first. Once it is safe to do so, please also let the College know so we can follow public health guidance and support the student appropriately.

What we will do if there is a case

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and visitors. If we are told about a suspected or confirmed case of meningitis or septicaemia, we will follow UKHSA guidance. This may include contacting the local Health Protection Team, sharing advice with students, parents, carers or staff, and taking any further action recommended by public health professionals.

Useful links