A student at Nottingham Trent University is in hospital being treated for meningitis.

The university has said they are working closely with the family of the student who is reportedly a first year on the Clifton campus.

Other undergraduates who have been in close contact with the student have been informed of the situation and provided with guidance and advice on the disease.

Public Health England has said there has been a rapid increase in the disease in recent years.

Due to the increase, the MenACWY vaccine is available free to students who are going to university for the first time up until their 25th birthday.

Any student born after September 1, 1996 who missed the MenACWY vaccine at secondary school can have the vaccine before their 25th birthday.

Higher education students, particularly freshers, are known to be at an increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

  • High temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
  • Being sick
  • A headache
  • A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
  • A stiff neck
  • A dislike of bright lights
  • Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
  • Seizures (fits)

This is due to being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls, hostels when travelling, or attending festivals, which all increase the chances of infection if unprotected.

A Nottingham Trent University spokesman said: “An NTU student is currently in hospital being treated for meningococcal disease. The university has been working closely with Public Health England and the student’s family regarding this matter.

"We have also been communicating with potential close contacts of the student, to inform them of the situation and to provide important guidance and advice about the disease.

“We run a very proactive communications campaign regarding meningitis, providing students with a wide-range of information and support before they arrive and during their time here. This includes encouraging vaccination, being aware of the signs and symptoms and looking out for one another.”