Meningitis Case

The child's family and close personal contacts are being treated with antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

The child attended the Pitter Patter Nursery in Wallasey. Parents at the nursery are being told about the death, given information on meningococcal infection and its symptoms and reassured that it is safe for their children to continue to attend.

As it appears to be a single isolated case, no further action is necessary within the nursery.

The meningococcal germ is common, but illness resulting from it is rare.

Dr. Katy Elders, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the HPA's Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Unit, said: "This is a tragedy for the child and for the child's family and our hearts go out to them.

"However, parents of children who attend the nursery should not be unduly concerned, although it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection and be ready to take action whenever it is suspected.

"About one person in ten carries the germ in their nose and throat without coming to any harm from it. It is only spread from one person to another by very close contact and usually by contact within the same family. "

Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). The onset of illness is often sudden and treatment should be sought immediately it is suspected.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

• A rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass
• Sudden onset of high fever
• Severe and worsening headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Joint and muscle pain
• Dislike of bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet
• Drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma

The Meningitis Trust, tel. 0845-6000-800, website: www.meningitis-trust.org
The Meningitis Research Foundation, tel. 0808-800-3344, website: www.meningitis.org
Alternatively, people with concerns can ring NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse-led telephone health advice service, on 0845-4647

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 07764-906508.

ENDS