Uni alert after meningitis cases

Students are being urged to look out for symptoms

Cardiff University is urging students to look out for symptoms of meningitis, after two students were taken ill with the disease.

The first year students live in halls of residence, and are said to be connected through their network of friends.

They are being treated in hospital and are said to be recovering well.

Health officials are making sure students have been immunised, and are giving antibiotics if "appropriate".

Cardiff University confirmed that a dentistry student living in Talybont North halls of residence was admitted to hospital with meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia last Saturday.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR Feeling feverish Vomiting Severe headache Stiff neck, back and joint pains Rash of tiny red bruises that don't fade under pressure Severe dislike of light Disorientation or coma

She has since been discharged from hospital.

The second student was from Talybont South halls of residence but returned home to Birmingham before becoming ill.

He was admitted to hospital on 16 May, and is said to be recovering well.

Students are being advised to be vigilant, and to 'look out' for their friends.

Early symptoms can be similar to the flu, or a hangover.

The disease can develop rapidly, sometimes within a matter of hours.

Students feeling unwell are advised to contact their general practitioner (GP) or call at the University Health Centre.