A STUDENT has died from suspected meningitis after falling ill at college.

Dannielle Catterall, 17, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday but her conditioned deteriorated and she died yesterday lunchtime.

Letters from the Health Protection Agency have been sent to her fellow Blackburn College students to warn them of the symptoms of the disease.

Further tests will be carried out to determine if Dannielle had contracted the meningococcal strain, which can cause further outbreaks.

And fellow students in her public services class and her close family have also been offered anti-biotics as a precautionary measure.

But health bosses said there was not a ’wide risk’ of others catching meningitis.

Tributes have been paid to Dannielle, of Hamilton Street, in Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Ian Clinton, principal of Blackburn College said: "She was a lively and engaging student who contributed a great deal to college life.

“She was a very positive young person. She would have been a great success at whatever career she chose and would certainly have gone on to bigger and better things.

"This is such a tragic loss and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

Dannielle's course involved studying the work of the police, army and other public services.

Mr Clinton added: "She had not yet decided which route she wanted to go down but here was a young person that wanted to work with people in the community and to help others. She wanted to make a difference and that is very admirable."

A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency said Danielle had died of suspected meningitis.

He said: "It is a sporadic case and there is no wider risk. Letters have been sent out detailing the warning signs and it is important that people take action if they develop any of them.

"Our thoughts now go out to the girl's family."

Meningitis is caused when the lining of the brain and spinal cord - the meninges - become inflamed, usually as a result of an infection.

This infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria and may also develop following serious head injuries.

Students are being warned about early symptoms, which may not always be present, which include:

  • A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass or the sudden onset of high fever
  • Severe and worsening headache or a stiff neck
  • Vomiting, or joint and muscle pain
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Very cold hands and feet and drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma.

Last month, six-year-old Marti-Lee McDonagh died from meningitis at his home in Oswaldtwistle after complaining of flu-like symptoms.