College in Wigan says student has suspected meningitis but the risk to others is ‘very low’

A North West sixth form college has moved to reassure students and parents after a suspected case of meningitis was reported on campus.

It comes as the number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent rose to 34.

St John Rigby College, in Orrell, Wigan, confirmed on Friday (20 March) it had been advised by the UK Health Security Agency that a single student is being treated as a suspected meningococcal case.

The college stressed that only one case has been identified and that there is no known link to the situation in Kent.

Health authorities have already carried out contact tracing, identifying close contacts and offering them precautionary antibiotics, the college said.

The college said that anyone who has not been directly contacted does not require treatment and that the overall risk to students remains very low.

Across England, approximately one case of meningitis is reported each day, and health professionals are managing the situation in Wigan in line with standard procedures.

Students have been advised there is no need to stay off college or alter their usual activities.

The college added that it acted swiftly in response to the case and continues to work closely with health officials to monitor the situation.

Meningitis vaccinations have been taking place in Kent.

A statement on its website said: “We have been advised by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that a student who attends this college has recently been reported as a suspected meningococcal case, which we understand will be concerning, especially in light on the ongoing situation in Kent.

“We would like to reassure you that we have acted quickly and there is only one suspected case at the college. Health agencies have completed contact tracing and there is no known connection to the situation in Kent.

All close contacts of this case have been identified already and offered antibiotics as a precaution.

“No one who has not already been identified and contacted needs antibiotics.

“The risk to students at this time is very low.

“There is no need for anyone to remain off college or not continue with usual activities.”

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