Students are being urged to get themselves vaccinated to protect against meningitis before starting university amid 'rapid increases' of cases of the deadly bug on campuses.

Meningitis or meningococcal is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. 

Health leaders in the UK are encouraging soon-to-be university students to get vaccinated to protect against a deadlier strain of meningitis known as group W meningococcal disease (Men W). This strain can cause meningitis and septicaemia. 

Several adults with Men W have had mainly gastrointestinal symptoms but without the typical rash that most people associate with meningitis.

As as a result, they have progressed rapidly to death.  

Cases of meningitis and blood poisoning caused by the highly virulent strain of Men W bacteria increased from 22 cases in England in 2009/10 to 210 in 2015/16. 

Meningococcal in general has spread across the world - with five cases reported in just one week in New South Wales, Australia, in 2016.

The alarm was raised by NSW Health after 39 cases of the invasive disease and four deaths were recorded last year – compared to 27 cases and zero deaths in 2015.   

Between March 2013 and February 2016 there were outbreaks on five US campuses. Older teenagers and university students are encouraged to get the vaccine to protect themselves against the deadly bacteria.

This group is thought to be at a higher risk of infection because they mix closely with lots of new people - some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats. 

Public Health England (PHE) said cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by the aggressive meningococcal W strain are still rising.

While more than two million eligible young people have received the MenACWY vaccine, some remain unvaccinated, PHE added.

It warned Men W is one of the most aggressive and life-threatening forms of meningococcal disease and can be fatal.

Many survivors are left with life-changing disabilities, including brain damage and loss of limbs.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE said: 'The MenACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability. 'We urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

'Remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you or someone you know may be showing signs of infection.'

Earlier this month, a student who left one of her lectures early with a sore throat ended up fighting for her life after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Charlotte Hannibal, 21, from Nottingham, had both of her legs amputated as her body was ravaged by the deadly infection.

The business student at Nottingham Trent University also lost most of her left hand and the finger tips on her right from the Men W strain.

She said: 'I left one of my lectures early with a sore throat, headache and tiredness; similar to having a bad hangover. 

'But 48 hours after my first symptoms, I was in hospital and doctors realised my body was shutting down. I spent three months in hospital.