STAFF at a national charity based in Stroud district are encouraging universities to become Meningitis Aware and demonstrate to students that they care about health and welfare.

Meningitis Now has launched the Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of meningitis and meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) among students and staff, promote vaccine uptake and prepare universities for dealing with a case on campus.

“Every university in the UK could experience at least one case of meningitis, particularly among first year students,” said Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now.

“In recent years there have been a number of deaths among students – each a tragedy for the individual, their family and friends and the university.

“That’s why, with support from ‘a Life for a Cure’ and the James Tudor Foundation we’ve developed our successful Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark for universities.”

Two universities, Keele and the University of Central Lancashire, have already been awarded the mark and six further establishments – Nottingham, Sunderland, Bristol, Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast and Bath Spa – have registered and are working towards it.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses and leads to inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord Septicaemia, which often occurs alongside the disease, is blood poisoning.

The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.

More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.

There are an estimated 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia each year in the UK, and one in ten people die from the diseases, while a third of survivors are left with lifelong after effects.

Dr Dominique Thompson, director of service at University of Bristol Students’ Health Service, said: “We are delighted to be working with Meningitis Now on the development of this new Recognition Mark, with the hope of ‘raising the bar’ nationally for meningitis awareness and prevention.

“It is vital for the health of the next generation that universities prioritise a coordinated and effective approach to tackling this potentially fatal disease.

“Let your students know that you care by ensuring your university is awarded the MARM.”

To find out more and register visit www.meningitisnow.org/marmuniversities

For more information on the work of Meningitis Now or to donate visit www.meningitisnow.org