Members will have seen the news about the meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent and the fact that it has led to the tragic deaths of a number of young people in and around the Canterbury area.

Whilst it is understood to have impacted only certain building on the university's campus, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has contacted more than 30,000 students, staff and their families to inform them of the situation.

Code members are asked to ensure that site staff are reminded of the symptoms to be aware of (listed below) and to check that their Emergency and Disaster Management plans are up to date.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

• a high temperature

• cold hands and feet

• vomiting

• confusion

• breathing quickly

• muscle and joint

• pain pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

• spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

• headache

• a stiff neck

• a dislike of bright lights

• being very sleepy or difficult to wake

• fits (seizures)

(Source: NHS)