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Schools warned after meningitis cases

Thursday, July 24, 2008, 09:16

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A PUBLIC health warning has been issued to schools in Cornwall after it was revealed that four cases of meningitis have been reported in the county.

The warning from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly NHS Primary Care Trust follows the confirmation that four cases of the bacterial infection happened in the Camelford area of Cornwall in the last seven months.

Schools and nurseries have been contacted so teachers and parents are aware of the symptoms of meningitis infection.

Dr Brian Guttridge said: “While we do typically see about 35 cases across Cornwall each year it's clearly unusual to see four cases of meningitis in such a relatively small area, so we are concerned that parents and youngsters are fully aware of the warning signs.

“When symptoms occur it is important to seek urgent medical care so that treatment can be started quickly.

“We've looked into all the cases very thoroughly and the reference laboratory have reported that this is not an uncommon strain of the bacteria which causes meningitis.

“While we can't say the cases are all linked to each other, it's clear that this bacteria strain has been circulating in the community and it has caused illness.

“The bacteria which cause the infection are carried harmlessly by around 10 per cent of the wider population, so we can't eradicate it, but we can raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for.”

The meningitis cases, all group B, were found in two children under 12 months and two of pre-school age.

The first infection occurred in December, the second in January and the latest in June and July.

Dr Guttridge said all four children were recovering from the illness, while people who had closest contact with the children had been given preventative antibiotics.

A spokesman said the HPA's Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Team had been working with the families involved to investigate any links between the cases and with the Meningococcal Reference Laboratory in Manchester to establish the strain of the meningoccocal bacteria involved.

He said the HPA had also been working with the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) to ensure all schools, playgroups and nurseries received proper information.

Last year more than 70,000 symptom cards and leaflets were sent out to Cornwall's schools – one for each child of nursery and school age.

Dr Guttridge added: “Parents in Cornwall are more vigilant for signs of meningitis thanks to the annual campaign in the county.

“However, we can't be complacent and should remind people that meningitis remains a risk, especially to the young.”

Symptoms to look for include vomiting, high temperature and fever, violent or severe headache, neck stiffness (unable to touch the chin to the chest), drowsiness and lethargy, fits, joint pains, a sensitivity to bright light, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises.