Adam Prior, 19, a first year engineering student at Oxford Brookes University, called 999 when he felt unwell on Saturday.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, but died that night.

Prof Graham Upton, the university's vice-chancellor, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this student and our deepest sympathy goes out to them. This has been a very sad and difficult day for us."

He added: "The students have been dealing with it very responsibly and handling it very calmly and very well. Those who shared a flat with him are obviously very upset."

Hundreds of students have been put on red alert following the death in a plan activated by the university, the students' union and Oxfordshire Health Authority.

Two events planned for the Valentine's weekend were cancelled and close contacts of the dead student have been traced and given preventive antibiotics. All 550 students at Morrell Hall, where the student lived, have been informed of the death and warned to look out for symptoms of the disease, which are similar to those of flu or a hangover.

Dr Richard Mayon-White, consultant in public health with Oxfordshire Health Authority, said: "Meningitis is more common in winter and there seem to be more cases than in the last two years, but this does seem to be an isolated case."

He added: "We have advised students to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek medical advice if they have them.

"We will keep a very careful watch on the situation."

Mr Prior's death is the latest in a long line of cases of the disease in the last few months. But it is the first fatal case in the county this year.

Last month the Oxford Mail revealed how 21 people were struck down by meningococcal infection - the dangerous form of meningitis - in December and January, compared with seven in the same period last year.

Two of the most recent cases of the disease included a five-year-old girl from Windale First School, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, and a three-year-old boy, from the nearby Shepherd's Hill Pre-school.

Anyone worried about the disease can call the National Meningitis helpline on 0845 6000 800.

Story date: Monday 15 February

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