Meningitis alert at university

A first year and second year student have been taken to hospital

Two students from the University of Sussex are in hospital with suspected meningitis.

The university, based in Falmer, near Brighton, has said the cases are not thought to be linked but are warning students and staff to beware of symptoms.

In a letter to staff and students, Charles Dudley, director of student services at the university, said the first and second year students were separately admitted to hospital with suspected meningococcal disease.

The letter said: "In line with normal practice, their close household contacts have already been identified and given antibiotics.

Fever and vomiting

"The risk of further cases occurring is very small and there is no action you need to take if you are well."

He said people should be vigilant for symptoms which include severe headache, stiff neck, fever and vomiting.

Other indications of the disease include drowsiness, discomfort from bright lights and a rash which does not turn white when pressed.

The letter said: "If you think you may have this disease, please call your GP.

"If you cannot make contact with them, go straight to the nearest hospital accident and emergency."

Students have been told they can also contact the 24 hour reception at York House on the campus.