Meningitis warning to students after rise in deadly strain

Health officials have warned school leavers to ensure they are vaccinated against meningitis following a steep rise in the number of cases of a deadly strain of the disease.

Figures from Public Health England (PHE) also show that on 2009 there were just 22 cases of MenW, but last year the figure had risen to 209.

PHE said young people going to university or college are particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria.

The Men ACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal A, C, W and Y diseases - the illnesses can be fatal and survivors are often left with life-changing disabilities.

The vaccination programme is being delivered to teenagers and first-time students, and GPs are writing to school leavers to encourage them to get vaccinated, whether they are going to university or not.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: "Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of MenW across England, with students particularly at risk.