Parents urged to look out for meningitis symptoms as child dies in Burley-in-Wharfedale (From Wharfedale Observer)

Parents urged to look out for meningitis symptoms as child dies in Burley-in-Wharfedale

8:33am Thursday 20th November 2008

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The death of a child from suspected meningitis in Burley-in-Wharfedale has prompted a warning to parents to be on the look-out for symptoms.

It is believed that the youngster, who has not been named, died at the end of last week.

The child, thought to be a four-your-old boy, was a pupil at Burley Nursery School on Station Road in the village.

Letters informing parents about signs and symptoms of the disease were handed out to parents of other children attending the nursery on Thursday, but the child subsequently died.

Consultant in communicable disease control Dr Martin Schw-eiger said: “Clearly it is devastating when a child dies and our deepest sympathies are with the family.

“The symptoms of this case suggest meningitis, although it is not possible to confirm this at this stage. As a precautionary measure, the household contacts of the child have been offered preventative antibiotic treatment.

“Information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis have also been given to parents of other children attending the nursery.”

Dr Schweiger urged parents not to panic and stated that further cases were unlikely to follow.

He said: “This case is very tragic, but meningococcal disease is uncommon and while I understand the concerns of parents in these situations, it’s important to stress that it is very unlikely that we will see further linked cases. The organism does not pass easily from person to person.

“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.

“Early recognition of meningitis is important and so we should all be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical help if there is any concern at all.”

Symptoms of the disease can include: a high temperature and/or vomiting, severe headache, a stiff neck, aching limbs and joints, an aversion to bright light, drowsiness and/or a purple rash which does not fade when pressed and, in small babies, a refusal to feed and a high-pitched cry.

Further advice and information about meningitis is available by contacting NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, the National Meningitis Trust helpline on 0845 6000 800, or its website, www.meningitis-trust.org or the Meningitis Research Foundation on 080 8800 3344.

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