Inside....
Women’s rugby team face off against Cardiff Met
The Art of Memes
Match report pg. 47
what does it take to make a truly dank meme?
The Best Pub Lunches in Bristol
Arts pg. 38
Food pg.
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est. 1988
The University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper
Bristol students hospitalised with meningitis infection • •
Students have been urged to look out for their friends and housemates There is no increased risk of infection for students at the University
Imogen Horton News Editor
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ublic Health England has been notified that two students from the University of Bristol have been confirmed as having Meningococcal Meningitis Group B infection. The students are reported to be ‘recovering well’ in a hospital in Cardiff, with ‘their discharge from hospital being arranged’. They will return to their family homes following their discharge from hospital. The University of Bristol is working closely with Public Health England to ensure that necessary action is taken. Those who are very close friends, or share accommodation, with the students in hospital have been offered an antibiotic and vaccination which will decrease chances of the bacteria spreading. Students in the rest of the University are not considered to be at any increased risk and Public Health England have said that there is ‘currently no need to take any specific action or change the university routine for students and staff’. Meningitis Now have also agreed that the risk of further cases would be low. Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said: ‘We
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understand that there will be concern among students, staff and parents following these cases, and we are following national guidelines in implementing control measures...to reduce spread of infection.’ ‘We urge students to look out for your housemates as symptoms of meningitis can look a lot like a hangover - so it’s important to be vigilant for anything out of character. ‘The best advice remains for everyone to be aware of and alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, especially students and their parents. ‘Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease. If anyone is feeling unusually unwell, and displaying the symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, they should contact their GP surgery immediately or call NHS 111.’ Rob Dawson, Head of Support at Meningitis Research Foundation said: ‘‘Our thoughts are with the individuals affected. Our free helpline and support service is here to support anyone affected or anyone who may have questions following this news. ‘Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person by close contact with others such as coughing, sneezing, kissing etc. However, usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with someone for the bacteria to pass between us. Even when this happens, most of us will not become ill because we have natural immunity. Continued on page 2
EpigramPaper
Fortnightly 19th November 2018 Issue 332 Celebrating 30 years
First year starts dance campaign to highlight loneliness and mental health Imogen Horton News Editor
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First year student Freya Selman has started a campaign to encourage young people to talk about their mental health ‘You can Help’ seeks to help people feeling isolated and alone Full story pg. 6
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pigram has spoken to Freya Selman, a first-year student, about her mental health campaign ‘You Can Help’. The project, which she launched in collaboration with friend Jasmine Flanagan, aims to encourage young people to talk about their mental health as they believe this is essential to showing those struggling that they are not alone, no matter what they are going through Freya said: ‘We wanted to do this project to show people that you never, ever have to struggle’