A TEENAGER visiting her boyfriend at Lancaster University is in intensive care with bacterial meningitis. The local case follows a spate of outbreaks at universities across the country but health chiefs claim there are no risks of further infection. The 18-year-old from Norfolk was visiting her boyfriend at Furness College when she developed symptoms and was discovered to have meningococcal meningitis. She is being treated in hospital and her family and immediate contacts have been given antibiotics.

This type of meningitis can affect people of all ages but is more common this time of year among young children and teenagers.

As a proactive measure all Lancaster University students and staff have been informed about this case but the authorities are not planning for an outbreak situation.

A spokesman for Morecambe Bay Health Authority said: "We stress that there is no risk to other students, staff and visitors to Lancaster University."

Student deaths at Southampton University and an outbreak at Salford University has increased awareness of meningitis, an infection which can progress rapidly

Signs to look out for include severe headaches, a stiff neck, high temperature, vomiting, drowsiness, discomfort from bright lights and, importantly, a rash of red spots that become purple and form bruises.

The teenager is in intensive care but her condition is said to be serious but improving.

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