A TEENAGE student in the North-East has died after contracting meningitis.

The 19-year-old girl had only just started at Northumbria University in Newcastle when she developed the killer condition.

Students in the region are now being urged to get vaccinated against the deadly strain of the disease.

It is understood the girl suffered from meningococcal meningitis (group W) before her death on September 11.

A Northumbria University spokesman said: “We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news and our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends.

“The university has, and continues to work closely with the relevant authorities and we are providing support to the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Public Health England (PHE) said the bacteria did not spread easily and only those who had prolonged, close contact with the student were at risk.

They were being traced and offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Dr Kirsty Foster, PHE consultant in health protection, said: “This is a sad reminder of how devastating this illness can be and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the student who has died.

“It is crucial to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and to get treatment as soon as possible. But sadly, even with early recognition, it is not always possible to stop the rapid progress of this disease.”

Only people who have had prolonged, close contact with the ill person are at a slightly increased risk of becoming unwell, and only very close contacts of the student are being identified and offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

Cases of meningitis W, one of the most aggressive and deadly strains of the disease, have increased annually with nearly 200 cases across England in the past 12 months.

The infection is particularly rampant among students starting university or college because they mix with such vast numbers of fellow students, some of whom unknowingly carry the bacteria.

Students have been warned to be alert for warning signs, as the disease can develop suddenly, with early symptoms including headaches, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet.