A college student in the UK has died from meningitis while two others are receiving treatment, health officials said as reported by BBC.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified the student who died as attending Henley College in Oxfordshire. Authorities added that close contacts of those affected were being offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
The agency confirmed one case as Meningitis B, commonly known as MenB, while further testing on the remaining cases was continuing.
In a statement, the college confirmed the student died earlier this week.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student's family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” the college said.
“We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency.”
Health officials stressed that the overall risk to the wider public remained low, though investigations were ongoing.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told the BBC it was “really unfortunate” to see multiple outbreaks reported within a short period.
“This is a very rare disease but when it strikes it can be very lethal,” he said.
Ladhani explained that investigators had identified a social connection between the three cases linked to Reading and believed they were likely connected to the same strain.
He added that authorities were tracing contacts and offering preventative antibiotics and vaccines where necessary.
The development follows recent meningitis outbreaks elsewhere in England, including cases in Kent linked to a nightclub in Canterbury and another cluster reported in Dorset earlier this year.
According to health officials, meningococcal disease affects around 300 to 400 people in England annually and is most common among babies, teenagers and young adults.
Symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, seizures and a rash that does not fade when pressed.
The UKHSA has urged young people to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine available through the NHS for people up to the age of 25.
