STUDENTS in Gloucestershire are in danger of contracting meningitis and septicaemia blood poisoning, the NHS has warned.

Due to a sharp increase in an aggressive strain of meningitis W, with one in 10 cases resulting in death, students are urged to get the Men ACWY vaccination.

Chris Pegler, 18, from Wotton-under-Edge, died in 2010 less than 24 hours after contracting meningitis.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant in public health medicine at NHS England said: “It is tragic when we see a devastating case of meningitis which could have been prevented by vaccination.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of raising awareness of this vaccination and the need for this particularly vulnerable group of young people to be immunised.

Less than 20 per cent of 18-year-olds leaving school in the county have been vaccinated according to the NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This falls below the national average of 25%, and below Wiltshire (20.2%), Bath (28.4%) and Somerset (34.9%).

Students may unknowingly carry the bacteria (on the back of their throat). Mixing closely with new people can enable it to spread more quickly.

NHS England wants all new university and college students to book a GP appointment and receive their free Meningitis vaccination this autumn.

In total there were 209 cases of adults and children who contracted the disease across the UK from 2015 to 2016. This figure has risen enormously from 22 cases in 2009 to 2010.

Local health organisations are working together with colleges and universities to ensure all new students are aware of the benefits of protecting themselves.

Dr Gjini, added: “Don’t forget to book an appointment with your new GP to get the Men ACWY vaccination. Not only will you be protecting yourself from a potentially deadly disease, but you will also be protecting other students and loved ones near you by stopping the spread of meningitis.

“I also urge Freshers to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis so that you don’t delay seeking medical help should you or your friends fall ill.”

Students who were born between September 1, 1997, and August 31, 1998, are eligible for free vaccination. They can book an appointment to have the vaccination at their GP practice. Students who have recently moved to the area, should make sure they are registered with a GP.

To find out more about meningitis visit the Public Health England’s publication at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phe-publishes-advice-on-meningitis-and-septicaemia-vacinations.

To read about other health threats visit: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2016/04/27/5-avoidable-health-threats-every-student-should-know-about/.

Common signs & symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include: • Fever, cold hands and feet.

• Vomiting.

• Drowsy, difficult to wake.

• Confusion and irritability.

• Severe muscle pain.

• Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash. See the Glass Test.

• Severe headache.

• Stiff neck