Meningococcal outbreak hits north Qld

(AAP) - A north Queensland university student is being treated in hospital and others are taking antibiotics after their friend died of meningococcal disease.
James Cook University held a memorial service on Saturday for the 18-year-old, who was found dead in his room at the Catholic College on Wednesday night.
An autopsy indicated the student, from Western Australia, died from meningococcal disease, a university spokesman said.
Queensland Health has offered clearance antibiotics to his closest contacts as a precaution.
One was admitted to Townsville Hospital on Friday suffering symptoms of the disease, the spokesman said.
"His disease was picked up quickly and he is recovering well in hospital," he said.
Queensland Health's public health medical officer in Townsville, Dr Steven Donohue, said further precautions were being taken as a result of the second case.
Premier Anna Bligh said the case was being taken very seriously.
"In every case of confirmed diagnosis of meningococcal, Queensland Health does extensive contact tracing and that's what they're doing right now," she told reporters on Sunday.
"So it is very worrying.
"It is tragic to see a young 18-year-old lose their life to this awful disease."
Antibiotics will be offered to a wider circle of contacts and information given to the whole university community.
They were also being offered counselling after last week's death of the student who had only just returned from his home state for the beginning of the second semester.
Catholic College principal Tom Tarttelin said all residents and staff at the college were shocked by the loss.
"He will be greatly missed in our community and our hearts go out to his family," he said.
"We are offering support to all those who are grieving at this sad time."
The second-year medical student's family arrived from Perth on Thursday to take their son's body home.