exeposé
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The South West’s Best Student Publication
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ISSUE 725 23 NOV 2021 exepose.com @Exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
Three Exeter students diagnosed with meningitis Bridie Adams and Oliver Leader de Saxe Editors THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING
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HREE students at the University of Exeter have been diagnosed with meningitis since mid-October. These students had no contact with each other and there is no evidence of a connection linking the cases. Ian Blenkharn, Director of Education and Student Image: Geograph Experience distributed an email to all students stating the following: “I am writing to remind you of the need to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis. This term we have seen three cases of meningitis, caused by the meningococcal bacteria, amongst students. In each case we have offered full support to the affected student. All are doing well and we hope they will make a full recovery. “There are no direct links between the cases, and we have been working very closely with local public health agencies to ensure that all necessary public health management steps have been taken. The other two affected students have recovered. “97 out of every 100 cases of meningococcal infections are isolated, with no link to any other cases, and the risk of transmission to others remains very low. “The UK Health Security Agency has taken action to reduce the risk of further cases and there is no reason to change your University routine or for students to stay away from University. “Please be reassured that the risk to other students is very small, however, it is important that everyone is aware of the signs of symptoms of both meningitis and septicaemia at all times, particularly on
our return to University and with winter approaching, as this is when cases are most likely to occur. Get medical help immediately if you or your friends experience these symptoms - call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 in a medical emergency. “Some strains of meningitis and septicaemia can be prevented with vaccinations. Protect yourself against meningitis by making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Speak to your GP practice to check.” He also signposted students to www. nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis and www. meningitis.org, as well as suggesting that any students affected call Meningitis Now on 0808 800 3344. He added, “If you need further support then please do not hesitate to contact our Wellbeing Service.” University students are one of the highest-risk groups for contracting meningitis. Additionally, the cold winter period usually triggers a rise in cases of meningitis in the UK as germs are spread more easily. This did not occur in 2020 due to social distancing restrictions, but the spread of meningitis this winter is hard to predict. According to Meningitis Now, “each year there are about 2,000 cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK, although incidence has fallen over the last 18 months during lockdown and social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. What happens to case incidence in the future as restrictions ease remains unknown, but we do know that around ten per cent of those who contract bacterial meningitis will die from the disease and a third of those who survive will have lifelong after-effects, such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight and, where septicamia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.” If untreated, it’s a disease which can be fatal, so immediate action is essential. Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of
Meningitis Now, said: “the disease can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. Even those who consider themselves ‘fit and healthy’ may be left fighting for their life in a matter of hours.” He advised to “get urgent medical help if concerned. Doing this could save yours or a loved one’s life.” Meningitis is a difficult illness to identify as symptoms can vary significantly, and many of its early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu, a hangover, or even COVID-19. According to the NHS, meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital. The website states that treatments include: “antibiotics given directly into a vein”, “fluids given directly into a vein” and “oxygen through a face mask.” Alexa Gainsbury, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health England South West, said: “We understand that there may be concern among students, staff and parents following this second confirmed case. “The risk of transmission remains low and the best advice remains for students, their family and friends to be aware of and alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, such as vomiting, severe headache, unexplained temperature rise, dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, a non-blanching rash, drowsiness, and altered levels of consciousness. “If anyone is feeling unwell, and displaying the symptoms they should contact their GP immediately or call 111, or 999 in a medical emergency. “It’s also an important reminder for young people up to the age of 25 to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine gives protection against four strains of meningococcal disease: MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY [...] Continued on page 4
“Your mum cleans Lafrowda”: EURFC ‘Hymn Sheet’ controversy Image: anonymous
Bridie Adams and Oliver Leader de Saxe Editors The Exeter University Rugby and Football Club has found themselves in controversy following a self-described ‘Hymn Sheet’ containing parody-style songs which students have described as “sexist” and “classist”. Excerpts Exeposé obtained from an anonymous source include a reference to “dirty skets”, as well as a song entitled ‘Polytechnic Idiots’. This song features lyrics mocking working class students, including “1+1 2+2 / These are sums that you can’t do [...] We pay off your student loan [...] One day you will work for me” and “We’ve all made your mothers moan”.
The ‘Hymn Sheet’ also also included a chant proclaiming “Your mum cleans Lafrowda” several times over. The front page of the leaflet has both a picture of the EURFC logo and a picture of club members chanting/singing whilst wearing shirts and the club tie alongside the title, “EURFC Hymn Sheet”. One second year student told Exeposé that “it is disappointing that students at such a prolific Exeter society feel the need to mock students who might not have experienced the same advantages as them or come from the same background. “The comments are disgusting and appear to reflect a culture of discrimination and bullying which shouldn’t be a part of any society.” Exeposé reached out to the EURFC, Athletics’ Union and University Press Office for comment.
NEW TECH AND SATIRE SECTIONS Pages 12, 24 & 25 Images: The Noun Project