STUDENTS heading to college or university this year are being encouraged to get vaccinated following a rise in the number of people diagnosed with a deadly strain of meningitis.

Figures show in 2009 there were 22 cases of MenW, but last year the figure had risen to 209.

Figures from Public Health England (PHE) also show that between 2009 and 2012, MenW caused around four deaths each year, but provisional figures for 2014/15 show 22 deaths linked to MenW.

East Lancashire health chiefs are encouraging youngsters aged 16 to 25 to get vaccinated before heading off to university.

Dominic Harrison, director of Public Health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Cases of the MenW strain, which is very aggressive and has a 10 per cent mortality rate, have risen very significantly over the past few years. But it is preventable.

“School children will be getting this vaccination from next year, but there is a cohort who have not had it. We are worried about a group of young people going off to college in the autumn who had not had this and we are encouraging them to get vaccinated preferably before they go.”

Lancashire Telegraph health expert Dr Tom Smith said most cases occur when people from all over the country converge on one area and are living in close proximity in halls of residence.

“We need people to understand they should get vaccinated,” he said.

“It is fatal in one in 10 cases and can lead to long-term health problems including amputations, deafness and epilepsy.”

He added the MenACWY vaccination will protect against it. and encouraged those with symptoms including a persistent headache and stiff back neck to see their doctor.

Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is really important young and old people get vaccinated. Prevention is always better than cure.”

He added it is important young people spread the message about vaccinations through social media.