Health chiefs are to warn Britain's 2 million students about the dangers of meningitis in a bid to reduce outbreaks of the deadly infection on campuses.

The government's Health Protection Agency will use the start of the new academic year to alert students to the risks of catching meningitis. It will publish a leaflet detailing the symptoms and offering advice on how to minimise the risk of catching it.

The typical student lifestyle – drinking, sexual relationships, socialising in packed nightclubs and living in close proximity to one another – allows meningitis to spread quickly. After children under five, students are the second most vulnerable group. The HPA leaflet warns that "bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that usually comes on very fast" and is characterised by vomiting, headache, neck stiffness and dislike of bright lights. "Early treatment of meningitis is essential to save lives," it adds.

"University bars and campuses where lots of students are in close proximity is an ideal place for bacteria and viruses to spread which is why we may see more outbreaks of these infections in this environment," said Dr Mary Ramsay, head of the agency's immunisation department.

Students should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations such as MMR and the MenC jab, which protects against the C strain of meningococcal disease, Ramsay urged.