Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the extent of the outbreak of meningitis in Southampton; how many persons(a) have died and (b) are under observation; if vaccine is available for all student at (i) Southampton Institute and (ii) Southampton University; and if he will make a statement. [14729]
§ Ms JowellThere have been six confirmed cases of meningitis in the Southampton area since 1 October. Three Patients have died;three have recovered, and been discharged From hospital. One Patient is under observation for suspected meningitis.
At Southampton University vaccine has been given to all first year students, all staff and all those resident or working in the halls of residence. The University has now made vaccine available to all students. A programme of vaccination for all first year students and all students 660W living in halls of residence at Southampton Institute started on 10 November and is expected to be completed by 14 November.