Students at one of Sydney's biggest universities have been warned to keep watch for symptoms of meningococcal disease, after one of their number was diagnosed with the potentially deadly infection.
Shirley Alexander, the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Technology, Sydney, emailed all students on Friday to alert them that a classmate had been admitted to hospital.
Ms Alexander said the university had received official advice from NSW Public Health that there was a "very low risk of any transmission" of the disease to other students.
"However, we can't be too careful," she wrote.
"Even though the transmission risk is very low, meningococcal is an extremely serious disease and the onset of its symptoms can be quite sudden.
"If you are feeling unwell or are suffering from any symptoms of meningococcal disease we recommend you see your doctor immediately."
Meningococcal disease causes meningitis, or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and severe blood infection.
Up to 10 per cent of cases can be fatal, and infections can also lead to deafness or loss of limbs.
Early symptoms can include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour.
Other symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises, and drowsiness.
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