University of South Wales student contracts meningitis

A first-year university student has been taken to hospital with meningitis.

The University of South Wales student, living in halls of residence in Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was taken to hospital on Monday with meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia.

A university spokesman said all students and staff were being notified about the diagnosis.

Public Health Wales (PHW) is arranging to give antibiotics to people who have had contact with the student.

Meningococcal bacteria live in the nose and throat anzd are passed on by close and regular or prolonged contact.

A PHW statement said: "All close contacts are being identified and those requiring preventative medication are being treated. There is no wider public health risk and no other individuals will require treatment.

"Meningococcal disease can affect anyone at any time and it is therefore important to be aware of the symptoms, which can include headache, fever, drowsiness, vomiting, neck stiffness and possibly a red rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass tumbler."