Arabic version: طالب يموت من التهاب السحايا المشتبه به في منطقة ريدينغ

A college student has died and two people are being treated after cases of meningitis in Reading, Berkshire, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. According to BBC News, the UKHSA confirmed that one case has been identified as Meningitis B (MenB), while results for other cases are pending. The agency is proactively offering antibiotics to close contacts of those affected as a precautionary measure, although it reassured the public that the overall risk remains low.

Hart Surgery, a local GP practice, is in communication with the UKHSA regarding the situation, emphasizing that individuals who have not been contacted do not require treatment. The college, which serves approximately 2,000 full-time students from surrounding areas, has not yet issued a statement.

Health experts, including consultant Rachel Mearkle, noted that meningococcal meningitis typically requires very close contact for transmission. Previous outbreaks, like the one in Kent two months ago, are considered rare. Mearkle urged students and staff to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if they arise.

In response to the incident, Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, expressed condolences to the family of the affected student and encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with the signs of meningitis. Reading University has reported no cases among its students and plans to remind them about the importance of recognizing symptoms and checking vaccination statuses.