17 September 2003

Meningitis advice for freshers

Photo opportunity 2pm, Thursday 18 September, DUSA, Balfour Street, University of Dundee.

A free wall planner highlighting to students the importance of being aware of meningitis and septicaemia is being given to first year students as they start as Freshers at the University of Dundee.  The charity Meningitis Research Foundation has worked in partnership with the Alumni Relations of the University to produce this potentially life-saving resource.

To keep the students organised, attending lectures and remembering when their exams are, the wall planner also gives health advice.

Whilst most students will have had the vaccine protecting them against Group C meningitis and septicaemia, there are other major forms of these diseases which are not yet vaccine preventable. It is therefore vital that they remain aware of the symptoms.

In past years students have been at particular risk of contracting meningitis and septicaemia with devastating consequences.  Around 12% of young adults in the UK who have contracted the diseases have tragically died and many more have suffered the after effects, which can be as serious as brain damage, deafness and amputations.

Dianne Pemberton Pigott Head of Alumni Relations explains: "We want to introduce students early to Alumni Relations so they know that our services can help them keep in touch with the new friends they make after they leave university. Along with DUSA and Meningitis Research Foundation we are providing advice to keep them healthy so they can enjoy university life."

Said Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said: "We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Alumni Relations to produce this wall planner.  The information on the planner will help students recognise the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia it will act as a constant reminder throughout the academic year, which we hope will save lives."

The planner also gives the Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline number 080 8800 3344 should students have concerns or require further information.

Media Contact:  Lucy Aitchison 0131 228 3322 Meningitis Research Foundation

Notes to Editor:

  • Meningitis Research Foundation is a national registered charity currently funding 36 research projects in the UK and internationally to a value in excess of £5 million by far the largest commitment of any meningitis charity.

  • Information on meningitis and septicaemia in 18 languages is available on the Foundation's top rated website www.meningitis.org  A translation service in 120 languages is available through the Freefone 24 hour helpline 080 8800 3344.

    • By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk