Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/con...ewsilford&itemid=WeED06 Jan 2010 11:31:11:050
Alert after Redbridge student gets meningitis
- 06 January 2010
PARENTS are been urged to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis after a Redbridge student was hospitalised with the disease over the Christmas break.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially serious bacterial infection which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Symptoms include severe headaches, aversion to bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, confusion and drowsiness, loss of consciousness and fitting.
Common symptoms of septicaemia include a rash, fever, vomiting, shivering, rapid or unusual breathing, stomach, joint and muscle pain and drowsiness but not all the symptoms need to be present.
Gladys Xavier, deputy director of Public Health for Redbridge said: "The pupil in question has responded well to treatment and spotting the symptoms early is important in treatment.
"Many families are particularly worried about swine flu but meningitis is also a serious illness.
"If a child falls ill with the symptoms we advise parents to seek medical help immediately."
Children and babies are particularly at risk of contracting the illness and although vaccines are available to protect against most forms of meningococcal disease, there is no vaccine for Meningitis Group B.
Ms Xavier also urged parents to make sure their children had been immunised before they start school.
Alert after Redbridge student gets meningitis
- 06 January 2010
PARENTS are been urged to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis after a Redbridge student was hospitalised with the disease over the Christmas break.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially serious bacterial infection which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Symptoms include severe headaches, aversion to bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, confusion and drowsiness, loss of consciousness and fitting.
Common symptoms of septicaemia include a rash, fever, vomiting, shivering, rapid or unusual breathing, stomach, joint and muscle pain and drowsiness but not all the symptoms need to be present.
Gladys Xavier, deputy director of Public Health for Redbridge said: "The pupil in question has responded well to treatment and spotting the symptoms early is important in treatment.
"Many families are particularly worried about swine flu but meningitis is also a serious illness.
"If a child falls ill with the symptoms we advise parents to seek medical help immediately."
Children and babies are particularly at risk of contracting the illness and although vaccines are available to protect against most forms of meningococcal disease, there is no vaccine for Meningitis Group B.
Ms Xavier also urged parents to make sure their children had been immunised before they start school.