A case of meningitis has been confirmed at the University of Surrey.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it is working with the university following the case involving a postgraduate student living off campus.
The UKHSA said there is currently no evidence linking the case to any previous outbreaks or cases reported elsewhere in England.
The agency has contacted close contacts of the student and is arranging vaccination and preventative antibiotic appointments where necessary.
The case comes months after an outbreak in Kent, which resulted in 21 confirmed cases and two deaths.
Health officials have stressed there is currently no evidence linking the Surrey case to the Kent outbreak.
Jaime Morgan, Principal Health Protection Lead for UKHSA South East, said: “We understand that news of meningococcal infection can be concerning.
“However meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread and large outbreaks as we saw in Kent recently are thankfully rare.
“Meningococcal disease does not spread easily and the risk to the wider public remains low.”
A spokesperson for the University of Surrey said: “We are working closely with UKHSA, who are leading the response to a single case of meningitis being identified in one of our postgraduate students, living off campus.
“We are following all guidance from the UKHSA and have shared UKHSA information and specific guidance with all of our students and staff.
“We urge everyone in our community to read the advice from the UKHSA and to be vigilant for symptoms, while noting that the UKHSA will be in touch directly with the small number of close contacts likely to need preventative antibiotics.
“We will continue to liaise closely with UKHSA, and if there is any development in their advice and any new guidance for people in our community, we will share that rapidly.
“In the absence of any further developments, the advice is to combine vigilance with calm.”
Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and septicaemia, is an uncommon but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria.
The disease spreads through close and prolonged contact, such as living together, kissing, or sharing items including drinks and vapes.
Symptoms can include a fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, cold hands and feet, and sensitivity to bright light.
A rash that does not fade under pressure from a glass can also occur, although health experts warn this is often a later symptom and may not always appear.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “We understand that news of a meningitis case can be concerning, particularly for students, families and the local community.
“While it is important to remain calm and follow the advice being provided by public health officials, it is also vital that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and knows when to seek urgent medical help.”
Anyone can develop meningitis, but teenagers and young adults are among the groups considered to be at increased risk.
