USI HAS LAUNCHED a meningitis awareness campaign aimed at young people and students.

Sponsored by the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Health Promotion Unit, it centres on a leaflet outlining the symptoms of meningitis and the best way to react to any meningitis scare.

There has been a threefold increase in the number of cases of meningitis reported in the past five years, from 131 in 1990 to 241 in 1994 and 382 in 1995 - statistics that compare unfavourably with those in other EU countries. The Irish incidence of infection is 6.9 per 100,000, compared to three per 100,000 in Britain.

Two Irish third-level students have already died this year from meningitis. Last month, Eamon Kelly, a first- year student at Galway RTC, died shortly after being taken ill at his home outside Galway city. In January, a TCD student in her early 20s died five - days after falling ill.

The Meningitis Research Foundation has advised the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis infection. These can include a need to avoid bright lights, a stiff neck, headaches, vomiting and flu- like symptoms such as aching limbs and fever. A rash can appear in cases of meningococcal septicaemia, or blood poisoning, which does not fade if pressed.

Further information is available from students' unions or student health centres.