A 19-year-old Bradford girl has died of suspected meningitis.

The teenager died the day after she was admitted to the intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. She is suspected to have suffered from the meningococcal form of the disease.

People who have come into close contact with the teenager, who died on Sunday but has yet to be named by health authorities, have been offered antibiotic treatment as a precaution.

Dr Suzanna Mathew, a consultant in communicable disease control at Bradford Health Protection Unit, said: "Clearly it is devastating when a young person dies and our deepest sympathies are with her family. We are awaiting confirmation of test results, but as a precautionary measure close contacts have been offered antibiotic treatment. While I understand people's concerns in these situations, it is very uncommon to see other linked cases."

This month Bradford Health Protection Unit has had two confirmed cases of meningitis and is awaiting results for a further three suspected cases. Last January there were six confirmed cases.

All the other patients have recovered.

Dr Mathew said: "This case is obviously very tragic, but meningococcal disease (including meningitis and septicaemia) is quite rare and most patients recover.

"Nationally, the number of cases of the disease has fallen dramatically since the meningitis C vaccine was introduced, but it is important to remember there are other strains of the disease for which we don't yet have a vaccine.

"Therefore, it remains important to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical help if there is any concern at all."

Immediate 24-hour telephone advice and information is available from NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Further information is available from the National Meningitis Trust helpline on 0845 6000 800 or the Meningitis Research Foundation on 080 8800 3344.