brittany_arthur1.jpg Brittany ArthurClose contacts of an Otago Polytechnic student who died at the weekend from meningitis have been offered antibiotics to reduce their risk of catching the disease. However, Dr Poore did stress the need for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. The meningococcus bacteria was present in the nose and throat of 10-20% of the population and frequently passed from person to person without causing harm. "This can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics if the condition is diagnosed early," Dr Poore said. "We encourage you to look out for your friends and seek help, particularly if they are really unwell and getting worse," Dr Poore said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2016 01:18 UTC