The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has said it is “monitoring the situation closely” after two students at the University of Brighton were taken to hospital with meningitis.

The government agency said people should be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, plus cold hands and feet.

Septicaemia can also cause a rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass, it added.

The university said both individuals were recovering and that everyone who had come into close contact with them had been treated as a precaution.

It said it was not aware of other cases beyond the two confirmed by UKHSA – the most recent of which was on 24 October.

Charlotte Flynn, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South East, said students were “particularly at risk” of missing the early warning signs because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.

“That’s why it’s vital that if a friend goes to bed unwell that you check on them regularly.

“This could save their life,” she said.

The government body urged people to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they had any meningitis symptoms.

The University of Brighton said it had “gone above and beyond” in issuing guidance and information to students.

“Meningococcal bacteria don’t spread easily, and only those with prolonged, close contact are at slightly increased risk.

“Students and staff who haven’t had that level of contact are at no greater risk than the general population.”

The University of Sussex, whose students also populate Brighton, said no meningitis cases had been reported.

But it added it was taking “precautionary steps”.