Student meningitis death: Vaccination plea by Public Health England

The student's name has not yet been released

Health experts are reminding students to be vaccinated against meningitis, following the death of a Northumbria University student.

The 19-year-old, whose name has not been released, suffered from meningococcal meningitis (group W).

Public Health England (PHE) said the bacteria did not spread easily and only those who had prolonged, close contact with her were at risk.

They were being traced and offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Dr Kirsty Foster, from PHE, said students starting university and mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria, were at an increased risk of infection, and should arrange a vaccination.

She said: "This is a sad reminder of how devastating this illness can be and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the student who has died."