Hertford student recovering in hospital from meningitis virus
A Hertford student is currently recovering in hospital after being admitted last week with a meningococcal infection. The first year geographer fell ill on the evening of Thursday 26th January and was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that she was suffering from meningococcal septicaemia, or blood poisoning. The infection, which can be fatal, is caused by the same bacteria that leads to meningitis, and it can lead to an outbreak of the disease.
The infection can be transmitted by close human contact, although an email from the Health Protection Agency to members of the college said, “This is not the sort of contact which would normally appear in college. “Close family contacts of the student are being contacted individually to assess their need for antibiotics in order to prevent spread.”
Principal of Hertford Dr John Landers said the student’s condition has improved substantially, and as The Oxford Student went to press she was understood to be conscious and stable. Both the Health Protection Agency and the university were keen to stress that there is no need for students to panic. A spokeswoman for the university said, “This was an isolated case, and as yet, no other students have been connected to it.
Hertford JCR president, Samina Bhatia, told this newspaper: “All the students who lived near her and her close friends have already been tested for the infection and are all clear. Everyone has been sending her cards and showing as much support as they can.” The Health Protection Agency confirmed that it is uncommon for there to be a second case amongst the close contacts of one case, but suggested students should be aware of potential symptoms.
It is important to know the signs of meningitis, which include a temperature, drowsiness, headaches, confusion, vomiting, a rash, a dislike of bright light and neck stiffness.” Dr Landers urged students to be vigilant, advising them to check on ill friends and seek medical advice if they are at all concerned.
2nd Feb 2006