A UK college student has died of meningitis, while two others are being treated/Image: Getty Images

Health officials said a college student in Britain has died of meningitis, while two others are being treated, the BBC reports.The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) has identified the student who died as a student at Henley College in Oxfordshire. Officials said close contacts of the affected people were being given antibiotics as a precaution.The agency confirmed one case as meningitis B, commonly known as MenB, while further testing was ongoing on the remaining cases.In a statement, the college confirmed that the student died earlier this week.“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” the college said.“We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance provided by the UK Health Protection Agency.”Health officials stressed that the overall risk to the broader public is low, although the investigation is ongoing.Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told the BBC it was “really unfortunate” to see multiple outbreaks reported within a short period.“This is a very rare disease but when it strikes it can be very fatal,” he said.Ladhani said investigators had identified a social connection between the three cases linked to Reading and believed they were likely linked to the same strain.He said authorities are tracing contacts and providing preventive antibiotics and vaccines where necessary.The development follows recent meningitis outbreaks in England, including cases in Kent linked to a nightclub in Canterbury and another cluster reported in Dorset earlier this year.According to health officials, meningococcal disease affects about 300 to 400 people a year in England and is most common in infants, teenagers and young adults.Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and a rash that does not go away even with pressure.The UKHSA has urged young people to ensure they keep up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine available through the NHS for people up to the age of 25.