Confirmed case of disease that can cause meningitis at St Andrews university

An investigation has been launched into a confirmed case of a disease that can cause meningitis at St Andrews University.

NHS Fife’s East Region Health Protection Team has confirmed one case of meningococcal disease involving a student living in private accommodation at the university.

Consultant in Public Health, Josie Murray, said while the illness can be very serious, it does not spread easily and generally requires close and prolonged contact for transmission to occur.

As a precaution, close contacts of the individual have been identified and offered chemoprophylaxis in line with national guidance, she added.

Meningococcal disease can initially resemble flu-like illness, but symptoms can worsen rapidly.

Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or whose condition deteriorates should seek urgent medical attention.

Ms Murray, said: “The Health Protection Team is working closely with the University of St Andrews to support the affected students and ensure appropriate precautionary measures are in place. The risk to other students and to the wider local population is assessed as being low.”

She added: “This year, anyone under the age of 25 who has started university for the first time is being offered vaccination against MenB.

“The offer is time-limited with first doses available until December 31, 2026 and second doses until March 31, 2027. For more information, or to find out how to arrange vaccination, visit: www.nhsfife.org/menb.”

St Andrews University has been contacted for comment.