A COMPUTER technician at a York college has died from a suspected strain of meningitis.

David Smith, 34, passed away on Saturday after contracting a meningococcal disease - the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Smith, who is survived by his partner.

Tim Whitaker, campus principal of Askham Bryan College, where Mr Smith worked, said: “We were shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of David Smith in hospital on Saturday.

“David joined us as an IT technician two years ago and was well liked and a much valued member of our IT team.

“Our thoughts are very much with family and friends at this difficult time.

“As the suspected cause of Mr Smith’s death is meningococcal disease, Public Health England was informed by the college, and we have carefully followed their guidelines.

“Staff have also been offered appropriate support including counselling.”

Dr Simon Padfield, who is a consultant in Communicable Disease Control at Public Health England Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We can confirm that a case of probable meningococcal disease has been diagnosed in a member of non-teaching staff at Askham Bryan College who has, very sadly, died.

“Meningococcal disease is an infection which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.

“This is a tragic reminder of how devastating this illness can be and our deepest sympathies are with the family concerned.”

He said, where cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed, public health experts will identify those who have had the closest contact with the person concerned and offer them preventative antibiotic treatment.

“Close contacts of this case have already been identified and, as a precautionary measure, they have been offered antibiotic treatment,” he said.

For more information about meningococcal infection phone the NHS Direct, the 24-hour NHS Helpline on 0845 4647 or www.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, call the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 8010388.