Ipswich: total 4 suspected meningitis deaths - Update: Ipswich Hospital made changes to their practices

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED01 Jan 2010 15:45:25:650

Family devastated by meningitis death
Last updated: 1/1/2010 3:45:00 PM

IPSWICH: A family has been left devastated today as the new year is heralded after the second suspected meningitis death at the town's hospital in just over two weeks.

A baby died at the hospital early yesterday - and a major inquiry has now been launched at the Heath Road complex to try to establish the exact cause of death.

The Evening Star understands that the tiny young girl, believed to be about 18 months old, had been taken to hospital on Wednesday night after her parents called her GP.

It is understood the GP referred her to the Riverside Clinic, in Landseer Road, where a doctor saw her and advised her parents to take her to the hospital.

She was then admitted and taken to the paediatric unit and one source said she had been ?running about? on the ward.

The Star understands that the baby was released from hospital early yesterday, but soon after getting home started to decline and was then taken back - but doctors were unable to save her.

Her death was the second from suspected meningitis at the hospital in December - 11-month-old Ellie Parsons died on December 14 after being taken to the accident and emergency department.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said bosses were carrying out an immediate investigation following the sudden and unexpected death of a small child at Ipswich Hospital on New Year's Eve.

Andrew Reed, the hospital's chief executive said; "Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time.

?It is our policy to carry out immediate investigations whenever there is a sudden and unexpected death of a child. There is a formal investigation process which we use called SUDOC [sudden death of child].

?We will keep the family informed at every stage of the investigation. We are a safe hospital and such incidences are thankfully very rare".



A STATEMENT from the Health Protection Agency confirmed that the death was being treated as suspected meningitis.

It said individuals who had been in close contact with the baby had been offered antibiotics to kill any bacteria they may be carrying and prevent it spreading.

Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, consultant in communicable disease control from the agency's health protection unit, said: "When a case of meningitis is diagnosed, the public health doctor will make sure that all those who need antibiotics are contacted. Meningitis does not spread easily from one person to another, but we do occasionally see cases spread between close contacts such as family members.

?Our sympathies go out to the family of this child at this terrible time. This case demonstrates that meningitis can be a very serious illness which develops rapidly.

?We tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of year and it's important that people everywhere, especially parents of young children, are aware of the signs and symptoms.?

The symptoms of meningitis are:

Severe headache

Raised temperature

Difficulty or pain when looking at light

Neck stiffness

Vomiting

Rash of red-purple spots which does not fade when pressed

Drowsiness or confusion

Back or joint pains

Not all these symptoms may show at once. If people are concerned about the symptoms displayed by a family member, they should seek medical advice from their GP or phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or call the Meningitis Trust which has a 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28.





NEWS of a second potential meningitis death at Ipswich Hospital in just over two weeks will cause great concern for parents with children being treated there.

Hospital managers have acted fast to set up inquiries into the deaths, and it is vital that these investigations should be completed as quickly as possible while being as thorough as possible.

It might well be that the number of cases being treated at the hospital is not abnormally high - but it is clearly almost unprecedented to have two deaths in such quick succession.

That fact alone will cause alarm to anyone needing to use hospital services - and that is why it is vital that all the facts about these two tragedies are made public as soon as possible.

The last thing parents and patients need at a time of great stress anyway is to be worried about the possibility of meningitis at the hospital.

 

[alert]

UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/suffolk/8437728.stm

Three children die of meningitis
Three very young children in Suffolk have died after contracting meningitis, a health agency has said.

A Health Protection Agency (HPA) spokesman said two of the youngsters, from the Ipswich area, died over the last few days.

The third death happened about three weeks ago.

Suffolk health officials are now in a state of "heightened alertness", said Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, HPA consultant in communicable disease control.

He added: "We tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of year and it's important that people everywhere, especially parents of young children, are aware of the signs and symptoms."

The symptoms of meningitis include a severe headache, raised temperature, difficulty or pain when looking at light, neck stiffness, vomiting, a rash of red-purple spots which does not fade when pressed, drowsiness or confusion and joint pains.

If people are concerned about the symptoms displayed by a family member, they should seek medical advice from their GP or phone NHS Direct.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED01 Jan 2010 21:47:48:347

Third child dies of suspected meningitis
COLIN ADWENT

Last updated: 1/2/2010 9:00:00 AM


INVESTIGATIONS are under way today into the deaths of three Suffolk children - including two young friends - from suspected meningitis.

Two-year-old Kyron Vince, who lived in east Ipswich like the previous two victims, died yesterday morning.

He had fallen ill on New Year's Eve, the same day as a playmate of his - a girl also aged two - died at Ipswich Hospital.

Last night, hospital officials said investigations into the tragic deaths, along with that of an 18-month-old girl on December 14, were under way.

Kyron's uncle John Ehlert said the youngster's parents Vicky Holland and Mark Vince were struggling to cope with their grief over their son's death.

He said: ?It's traumatic. They just can't see how they are going to get over it.?

Kyron, who had a pre-existing medical condition, appeared to be well when he was put to bed on December 30.

However, he became ill early on New Year's Eve and his condition gave his mother cause for concern.

Paramedics were called to his home in the Greenwich area of the town, which is where his two-year-old friend also lived.

When they arrived Kyron was said have been limp and was not believed to have been breathing

After clearing his airways the ambulance crew took him to Ipswich Hospital. A specialist team was sent from Addenbrooke's Hospital to Ipswich to help stabilise his condition, before he was taken to the Cambridge hospital late on New Year's Eve.

As the night wore on Kyron's parents stayed at the hospital and his condition seemed to be improving.

However, yesterday his condition worsened again and he died at 10.04am.

Kyron's friend, who has not been named, was taken to Ipswich Hospital on Wednesday night after her parents called her doctor.

It is understood the GP referred her to the Riverside Clinic, in Landseer Road, where a doctor saw her and advised her parents to take her to Ipswich Hospital.

The girl was then admitted and taken to the paediatric unit and one source said she had been ?running about? on the ward at one stage.

It is understood the girl was released from hospital early on Thursday, but soon after getting home her health began to deteriorate and she was then taken back to hospital. However, doctors were unable to save her.

This week's tragedies come less than three weeks after another suspected meningitis victim, 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, of Felixstowe Road, died on December 14.

Jan Rowsell, a spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital, expressed sympathy to all the families involved. Ms Rowsell also said investigations would be launched into the three cases and that would include working very closely with Addenbrooke's Hospital in relation to Kyron's death.

She added all the families would be kept informed at every stage.

Mr Ehlert added that Miss Holland and Mr Vince wanted to express their gratitude to all the staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital who tried in vain to save Kyron's life.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...three-young-children-die-from-meningitis.html

Investigation launched after three young children die from meningitis
An investigation has been launched after three young children from the same town died from suspected meningitis.

Published: 9:58AM GMT 02 Jan 2010


Ellie Parsons died days before her first birthday. Photo: ARCHANT Two-year-old Kyron Vince died on New Year's Day just a day after the death of a two-year-old girl who was one of his friends.

A third child ? 11-month-old Ellie Parsons who died on December 14 ? lived less than a mile away from the pair in Ipswich.


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Model murder suspect Ryan Jenkins was a 'good guy' businessmanIpswich Hospital spokesman Jan Rowsell said: "It is very rare to have three deaths from suspected meningitis in such a short period.

"It is not unusual to see a rise in the number of cases at this time of year ? but three deaths are exceptional.

"Our investigation will focus on every aspect of these sad, tragic cases so we can look at what happened. No stone will be left unturned."

Ms Rowsell said the hospital wanted to express sympathy to all three families and would keep them informed.

Kyron's uncle John Ehlert said the child's parents Vicky Holland and Mark Vince were struggling to cope with their grief over his death.

"It's traumatic. They just can't see how they are going to get over it," he said.

Ipswich Hospital has launched its own investigation into the death of Ellie and the unnamed girl and will be contributing to the Addenbrooke's Hospital inquiry into the death of Kyron.

The Health Protection Agency which is responsible for communicable diseases is also investigating the deaths.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Here is the story from two weeks ago with the first death. No word on the status of the four-month old contact of this baby, but obviously she did not die, or we would have heard by now.

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED17 Dec 2009 13:18:02:983

Parents' heartbreak at death of tragic tot Ellie
TOM POTTER

Last updated: 12/17/2009 5:16:00 PM



Ellie Parsons
JUST a week before her first birthday, little Ellie Parsons was pictured laughing happily in her mum's arms.

Kirsty Ludlow put her daughter to bed without any signs of ill health, but just ten hours later the bubbly 11-month-old would be dead.

Today, as Ipswich Hospital launches an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, her parents claimed more could have been done to save her and told of their determination to find out just how Ellie died.

When Ellie woke on Sunday night crying and shivering, Ms Ludlow phoned the doctor, explaining that she suspected her baby was showing symptoms of meningitis.


Grieving parents Kirsty Ludlow and Daren Parsons
She was told to take Ellie to hospital if her condition worsened - but half-an-hour later she was unconscious.

Ms Ludlow, 29, said: ?We arrived at A&E just before midnight and were there until 3.30am. In that time a nurse took Ellie's temperature, which she said was very high.

?She was left for a considerable amount of time before a doctor looked at her and noticed spots on her body. We were told that her blotched skin was the result of a water infection and that further tests didn't need to be done.?

Ms Ludlow and her partner Daren Parsons, of Felixstowe Road, were advised to take Ellie home but to return to the hospital if there were any problems.

?At 6am we noticed she had started to deteriorate,? said Ms Ludlow. ?On the way back to the hospital we thought we had lost her.

?When we got there she was unconscious. A receptionist opened the door to the ward but there was no one there - not even a cleaner. We were stuck between to sets of locked double doors for five minutes before three nurses strolled in and took her from us.?

Attempts to resuscitate Ellie started at 7.30am but she was pronounced dead an hour later.

A post-mortem will ultimately determine what caused Ellie's death, but her parents are sure it was meningitis and that doctors could have done more to save her.

Ms Ludlow has vowed to mount a legal challenge against the hospital for the sake of her only child.

?We're angry she was sent home after we said she had signs of meningitis,? she said. ?That was a critical period and there was no one on the ward when we went back.

?I must stress that the resuscitation team were fantastic and did all they could but my concern is that Ellie wasn't diagnosed properly. I don't understand the lack of urgency.?

The weekend before she died, Ellie had been in contact with a four-month-old baby, who has since been taken in for observation.



Ipswich Hospital said an investigation had been launched into the tragedy.

Hospital spokeswoman Jan Rowsell said: ?This is a tragic happening, especially at this time of year at Christmas.

?We would like to extend our condolences to the family.

?The moment this tragedy happened an investigation was launched.

?Enormous care will be taken and it will include the parents and family at every step.?



The tragic circumstances of Ellie Parsons' death as they unfolded:

Sunday

- 8pm: Kirsty Ludlow puts baby Ellie to bed at their Felixstowe Road home. The 11-month-old shows no signs of ill health

- 10.45pm: Ellie wakes crying and shivering. A concerned Ms Ludlow takes Ellie to bed with her but the shivering continues and her temperature begins to soar

- 11.20pm: Ms Ludlow makes first contact with a doctor, explaining Ellie's symptoms. She is told if her condition worsens to phone back or take her to hospital

-11.50pm: As Ellie's body becomes lifeless, Ms Ludlow and partner Daren Parsons rush to Heath Road. Five minutes after they arrive, Ellie's temperature and pulse is taken by nurses. Ms Ludlow says Ellie is then left for a considerable amount of time before she is seen by a doctor

Monday

- 3.30am: A nurse tells Ms Ludlow and Mr Parsons that a water infection is to blame for blotches on Ellie's skin and that she is well enough to go home. The couple are told further tests are not necessary

- 6am: Ellie's condition begins to worsen. She develops severe breathing difficulties and is rushed back to hospital. On the way she falls into unconsciousness and her parents begin to fear the worst.

- 7.30am: A resuscitation team try to revive Ellie but after around an hour she is pronounced dead

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED01 Jan 2010 20:26:22:257

Family's grief at toddler's death

Last updated: 1/2/2010 12:00:00 PM



Kyron Vince who died from suspected meningitis
IPSWICH: Heartrending tributes were today paid to two-year-old Kyron Vince, the second child to die from suspected meningitis in two days.

Kyron lost his battle for life at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge yesterday after being taken ill on New Year's Eve.

His death occurred a day after a friend of his, a girl also aged two, is also believed to have died from the same illness. She had fallen ill on Wednesday night.

The double tragedy is believed to be the third death of child taken to Ipswich Hospital with suspected meningitis in little more than two weeks.

All three lived in east Ipswich.

Kyron and the friend he used to play with were from the Greenwich area.

Kyron lived with his parents Vicky Holland and Mark Vince in Hawke Road, who were at his bedside when he died. They have been left distraught by his death.

Miss Holland said: ?Kyron was our sweet little angel.?

Kyron's grandfather and grandmother, Adrian and Denise Collins, of Schreiber Road, also spoke movingly of the little grandson they had lost.

Barely able to hold back the tears, Mr Collins said: ?He was my little grandson. Kyron was our little ray of light, our little man.

?We are numb beyond belief. Kyron was a lovely kid. He smiled a lot, laughed and brought a lot of joy to everybody. He will be missed.

?We are all astounded.?

Mr Collins said although Kyron had a pre-existing condition, Ipswich Hospital has informed his family that the youngster is believed to have died from meningococcal septicaemia.

John Ehlert, Kyron's uncle, spoke of the impact the youngster's death has had on his parents.

He said: ?It's traumatic. They just can't see how they are going to get over it.?

Kyron had appeared to be well when he was put to bed on December 30.

However, he became ill early on New Year's Eve and began vomiting.

Paramedics were called to his home during the morning. When they arrived Kyron was said have been limp and he is not believed to have been breathing.

After clearing his airways the ambulance crew took Kyron to Ipswich Hospital. A specialist team was sent from Addenbrooke's to Ipswich to help stabilise his condition, before he was taken to the Cambridge hospital late on New Year's Eve.

As the night wore on Kyron's parents stayed at the hospital and Kyron's condition seemed to be improving.

However, yesterday his condition worsened again and he died at 10.04am.

Last night, The Evening Star reported how his friend had died on New Year's Eve after being taken ill on Wednesday.

The tragedy came less that three weeks after another suspected meningitis victim, 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, of Felixstowe Road, died on December 14

Jan Rowsell, a spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital, said investigations would be launched into all three tragedies and that would include working very closely with Addenbrooke's Hospital in relation to Kyron's death.

She added all the families would be kept informed at every stage.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED01 Jan 2010 15:43:22:740

Mum tells of shock over second death

Last updated: 1/2/2010 3:00:00 PM



Kirsty with Ellie
IPSWICH: Distraught mum Kirsty Ludlow today offered to talk to the family of the latest baby to die of suspected meningitis at Ipswich Hospital after learning of the tragedy.

Ms Ludlow, of Felixstowe Road, lost her 11-month-old daughter Ellie last month after she had been taken to Ipswich Hospital and then sent home.

She said: ?It is still very raw - it has been terrible. We should have had her first birthday and then Christmas a few days later, but it was all so empty.?

When she read in the Evening Star that an 18-month-old baby had died at the hospital on New Year's Eve she knew how they must be feeling.

After her own tragedy she had been contacted by Mark and Jennifer Smith from Kesgrave whose nine-month-old son Taylor died from the killer bug last year - a meeting she said had helped her.

?I'm still feeling numb and I can't get over that - but I was contacted by the Kesgrave couple and it was good to be able to talk to people who were in the same position.?

Ms Ludlow and her partner Darren Parsons could not believe it when she heard that a second baby had died of suspected meningitis at the hospital so soon after Ellie's death.

?We know there is an inquiry going on into what happened to Ellie, and now there is something else for the hospital to look at.

?I shall be following both of these inquiries very closely - I will want to know exactly what happened in both cases. On the face of it they sound quite similar.?

She knew that the family of the latest baby to die would be struggling to understand what had happened.

?If they think it could help then I would meet them to talk. Nothing will ease the pain that we are all feeling - but just talking can be good and I'm here if they want to get in contact.?

The Evening Star has Ms Ludlow's contact number and has agreed to pass it on if the family of the latest tragic baby want to contact us to talk to her.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...-feared-as-three-children-die-in-Ipswich.html

Meningitis outbreak feared as three children die in Ipswich
Three toddlers have died in less than three weeks following a suspected outbreak of meningitis in Ipswich, Suffolk.

By Rebecca Lefort
Published: 8:00PM GMT 02 Jan 2010


Ipswich Hospital, which treated all three children, has launched an investigation after it emerged that two of them had been sent home by doctors Photo: ALBANPIX The children lived near each other in the town and two are thought to have been playmates.

Health officials declared a state of "heightened alertness" and charities warned parents to be extra vigilant.


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Man dies in cruise ship bug outbreakIpswich Hospital, which treated all three children, has launched an investigation after it emerged that two of them had been sent home by doctors.

Ellie Parsons, aged 11 months, was taken to the hospital's emergency department on December 14, and was examined before being discharged with a suspected urinary infection. Within a few hours she was readmitted and she later died of what is believed to be meningitis.

On New Year's Eve, a girl of two who has not been named died from the same illness. She was also sent home from Ipswich Hospital after an overnight stay.

The following day, her friend, two-year-old Kyron Vince, died in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, after being transferred from Ipswich with meningitis.

After hearing of the latest deaths, Ellie's mother, Kirsty Ludlow, told the Evening Star newspaper: "We know there is an inquiry going on into what happened to Ellie, and now there is something else for the hospital to look at.

"I shall be following both of these inquires very closely ? I will want to know exactly what happened in both cases."

Kyron's distraught mother, Vicky Holland, described her son as a "sweet little angel" while his grandfather Adrian Collins, said: "We are numb beyond belief. Kyron was a lovely kid. He smiled a lot, laughed and brought joy to everybody. He will be missed. We are all astounded."

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was possible for meningitis to spread between people, but stressed it was not a particularly infectious disease. The county of Suffolk would normally expect one or two deaths from meningitis in a whole year. Nationally, the infection causes about 300 deaths annually.

Steve Dayman, chief executive of Meningitis UK, who lost his own son to the disease, said parents should be on the lookout for symptoms of meningitis in the wake of the outbreak.

"After the tragic death of Ellie, to hear about two more deaths so soon after is very concerning," he said. "It must be distressing for the whole community."

"To lose a child to a terrible disease like this is the biggest emotional challenge a parent can face and my heart goes out to the families of all three children.

"While it is important not to panic, people need to be alert to the disease's symptoms and act swiftly if they're concerned.

"In several of these cases it sounds like telltale symptoms were missed at the hospital and the children were sent home.

"Health professionals need to make sure they're alert to all the signs because of the speed at which meningitis strikes, sometimes killing in under four hours."

Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, an East of England HPA consultant in communicable disease control, said: "Meningitis does not spread easily from one person to another, but we do occasionally see cases spread between close contacts such as family members.

"We tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of year and it's important that people everywhere, especially parents of young children, are aware of the signs and symptoms."

Andrew Reed, the chief executive of Ipswich Hospital, said the hospital was investigating why two of the children had been sent home.

"Meningitis can be very difficult to diagnose, and the onset of symptoms can be very sudden," he added. "I don't think we can draw conclusions yet about these tragic cases.

"We are very mindful of what has happen. We will be very vigilant for any possible symptoms, but we always are."

Symptoms of meningitis:

A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

Sudden onset of high fever

A severe and worsening headache

Severe neck stiffness

Dislike of bright lights

Very cold hands and feet

Drowsiness that can deteriorate into unconsciousness

You should also consider the possibility of meningitis and seek medical advice when there is:

A sudden change in conscious level

A change in alertness

A change in normal pattern of behaviour

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-st...tis-probe-after-3rd-tot-dies-115875-21937872/

Meningitis probe after third toddler dies in Ipswich

By Andrew Young 3/01/2010

Health chiefs have launched an investigation after three toddlers from the same town died with suspected meningitis.

Kyron Vince, two, died on New Year's Day, a day after the death of one of his playmates, a girl, also two, who has not been named.

They lived near Ellie Parsons, 11 months, who died on December 14 after being diagnosed at hospital with a water infection and sent home.

Ipswich Hospital spokesman Jan Rowsell said three possible meningitis deaths in a short period was rare, adding: "Our investigation will focus on every aspect of these sad, tragic cases."

The Health Protection Agency is also investigating the children's deaths.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Please merge this thread with:

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138053

as they are the same story.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

So the two linked cases did not have contact with each other. Perhaps they both separately had contact with the same source.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/suffolk/8438594.stm

Meningitis cases knew each other

Two-year-old Kyron Vince died from suspected meningitis
Two of three young children from Suffolk who died of suspected meningitis are believed to have known each other, the BBC has learned.

But health officials have stressed the youngsters, from the Ipswich area, did not have contact with each other during the incubation period of the disease.

Two of the children died over the last few days while a third died about three weeks ago.

Parents in Ipswich are being urged to be vigilant for meningitis symptoms.

One of the victims was two-year-old Kyron Vince, from east Ipswich, who died on New Year's Day from suspected meningitis.

He is believed to have known one of the two other cases reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the BBC has been told.

On New Year's a two-year-old girl from east Ipswich also died.



In mid-December 11-month-old Ellie Parsons died
In mid-December 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, also from Ipswich, died from suspected meningitis.

The HPA is asking parents to be vigilant but not to panic.

The HPA said the deaths represent what they call a "cluster" - which is described unusual but not unheard of.

Suffolk health officials are now in a state of "heightened alertness", said Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, Health and PA consultant in communicable disease control.

He said: "Currently we have received no information that would link all three cases but we are continuing to investigate.

"Meningitis does not spread easily from one person to another, but we do occasionally see cases spread between close contacts such as family members.

"When a case of meningitis is diagnosed, the public health doctor will make sure that all those who need antibiotics are contacted."

The symptoms of meningitis include a severe headache, raised temperature, difficulty or pain when looking at light, neck stiffness, vomiting, a rash of red-purple spots which does not fade when pressed, drowsiness or confusion and joint pains.

If people are concerned about the symptoms displayed by a family member, they should seek medical advice from their GP or phone NHS Direct.

 

[alert]

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

I believe the reference to "Brian Bug" is an attempt to call meningitis a "Brain Bug".

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/149544/Brian-bug-kills-children-sent-home-by-hospital

UK NEWS

BRIAN BUG KILLS CHILDREN SENT HOME BY HOSPITAL



Ellie Parsons and a two-year-old girl, both died *after being sent home from Ipswich Hospital
Monday January 4,2010
By Natalie Chalk HEALTH chiefs have launched an inquiry into the deaths of two children from suspected *meningitis following discharge from the same hospital.


Investigators will also look into the death of a third child who died from the bug in the same town.

Ellie Parsons, who was 11 months old, and an unnamed two-year-old girl, both died *after being sent home from Ipswich Hospital.

Two-year-old Kyron Vince, who was transferred to another hospital, died on New Year?s Day ? a day after the death of the two-year-old girl who was one of his playmates. Ellie, who died on December 14, lived less than a mile away from the pair.

Hospital spokeswoman Jan Row*sell said: ?It is very rare to have three deaths from suspected meningitis in such a short period. It is not unusual to see a rise in the number of cases at this time of year, but three deaths are exceptional.?

Kyron?s unnamed friend fell ill on Wednesday evening and was *ad*mit*- ted to Ipswich Hospital. A source said she was discharged on Thursday. But she began to deteriorate at home and was taken back to hospital where she died.

Ellie?s parents ? Kirsty Ludlow and Darren Parsons ? took her to Ipswich Hospital on December 13. Doctors sent her home three hours later after deciding that blotches on the skin were caused by a ?water infection? and further tests were not necessary.

Ellie later developed severe breathing difficulties and was rushed back to hospital where she died. Her parents are demanding an *inquiry and threatening legal action.

Ms Ludlow, 29, said: ?It has been terrible. We should have had her first birthday and then Christmas a few days later, but it was all so empty.? Kyron, who had a pre-existing medical condition, became ill early on New Year?s Eve and his mother called an ambulance to her home in Ipswich. He was taken to Ipswich *Hospital and then transferred to Add*enbrooke?s in Cambridge where he died on New Year?s Day.

SEARCH UK NEWS for:

Kyron?s parents, Vicky Holland and Mark Vince, described their son as ?our sweet little angel?. The child?s grandfather, Adrian Collins, added: ?We are numb.?

The Health Protection Agency is investigating all three deaths.

Ipswich Hospital, which has launched its own inquiry into two of the deaths, said: ?Our investigation will focus on every *aspect of these sad, tragic cases. No stone will be left unturned.?

Steve Dayman, of Meningitis UK, who lost a son to the bug in 1992, said: ?Early diagnosis and hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death.? Symptoms can include a headache, stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, fever and vomiting.

 

[Giuseppe]

United Kingdom. HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk (1/2/10)

United Kingdom. HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk (1/2/10)

United Kingdom. HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk (1/2/10)

Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk

2 January 2010


The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis.

The first child died in mid-December 2009.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis.

The first child died in mid-December 2009.

At present it is not believed this case is linked to the most recent deaths (31st December 2009 and 1st January 2010).

The HPA is awaiting laboratory test confirmation on the strain of disease from the most recent cases, with results expected early next week.

The HPA?s Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Health Protection Unit (HPU), working with NHS Suffolk, has taken the necessary action to reduce the risk of further infection among contacts.

Individuals in close household contact have been offered antibiotics to kill any bacteria they may be carrying and prevent it spreading.

Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control from the HPU said:

"Our thoughts are with the families of these children at this terrible time. Currently we have received no information that would link all three cases but we are continuing to investigate.?

''Meningitis does not spread easily from one person to another, but we do occasionally see cases spread between close contacts such as family members. When a case of meningitis is diagnosed, the public health doctor will make sure that all those who need antibiotics are contacted.?

?Meningitis can be a very serious illness which develops rapidly. We do tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of year and it?s important that people everywhere, especially parents of young children, are aware of the signs and symptoms.?

The symptoms of meningitis are:

• Severe headache
• Raised temperature
• Difficulty or pain when looking at light
• Neck stiffness
• Vomiting
• Rash of red-purple spots which does not fade when pressed
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Back or joint pains

Not all these symptoms may show at once.

If people are concerned about the symptoms displayed by a family member, they should seek medical advice from their GP or phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or call the Meningitis Trust which has a 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28.

ENDS


Notes to Editors:

Good web sources of information about Meningitis include:

The Meningitis Trust: LINK
The Health Protection Agency: LINK
The Meningitis Research Foundation: LINK

For further information contact: thomas.burn@hpa.org.uk
HPA East of England communications 01223 257919

Last reviewed: 2 January 2010
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<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1259152465824?p=1231252394302">HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk</cite>

 

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Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk (1/2/10)

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk (1/2/10)

Shiloh and myself have apparently already been keeping two separate threads on this outbreak.

Mine is here:

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=333106

And hers is here:

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=332876

All three threads should be merged. I'm not sure whether it belongs in the meningitis forum, or in some geographical forum for that area.

 

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Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

This link has pictures of the victims. So tragic.

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED03 Jan 2010 19:29:23:437

Ipswich playmates' tragic destiny

Last updated: 1/4/2010 5:21:00 PM

Links
Brain bug deaths not linked


Kyron Vince
DISTRAUGHT mum Danielle Watchman fought back the tears as she told of her special little girl who died from suspected meningitis just a day before her toddler playmate.

Rhianna Warner died on New Year's Eve - the second Ipswich child to die from the suspected illness in just over two weeks.

Just 24 hours later a third child, Kyron Vince - a close friend of Rhianna's - died at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

He had been taken ill the previous day but their deaths are not being linked because they had not seen each other for some time.


Kyron and Rhianna Warner
Rhianna's mother Danielle Watchman, 22, of Damselfly Road, said: ?She was the most beautiful, special little girl you could wish for.

?For a two-year-old she was so advanced - you could have a full conversation with her - she wasn't shy whatsoever.

?She would pick up people's expressions really easily and repeat them. She had just started to use the phrase 'I love you lots'.

?We're devastated. We were looking forward to the New Year but there's nothing to celebrate now.?

Ben Warner, 24, Rhianna's father, added: ?She had such a nice smile and perfect little dimples. She was a normal happy little girl who had hardly ever been ill. It's such a shock.

?Rhianna and Kyron were friends - but they hadn't seen each other for weeks - so their cases can't be linked.?

In the days leading up to her death, Rhianna developed a high temperature and appeared to be constipated.

When she started shivering, despite her chest and stomach feeling warm, her parents decided to take her to Ipswich hospital.

Mr Warner said: ?Initially the staff weren't sure what was wrong. They thought she just had a high temperature.

?We were told to go home and give her antibiotics because they didn't want to do a blood test. But her condition got worse and later that morning she died.

?The hospital staff did all they could - some of them were in tears - but if they had done a blood test they could have had a better idea of her condition.?

Mr Warner urged other parents to be weary of the disease in the coming weeks.

He added: ?It's a winter bug and it spreads easily. My advice to parents is to watch out for the symptoms.

?If one child's life is saved through somebody reading about Rhianna then that will be something.?

The tragedy comes less than three weeks after another suspected meningitis victim, 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, of Felixstowe Road, died on December 14.

An investigation into the recent deaths has been launched by Ipswich Hospital Only site members can comment on this story.
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That is so so sad, my heart goes out to all the family concerned.
ged scott

.Ellie Mae was my niece....died at the tender age of 11 months.... what can i say to these other parents except my heart goes out to you all.... may they all rest in peace.... x
samantha scarfe, ipswich
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Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

Re: UK: Three children die of meningitis in Ipswich

More pictures here.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...dlers-killed-meningitis-just-weeks-later.html

The last heartbreaking picture of two cuddling toddlers, both killed by meningitis just weeks laterBy Andrew Levy
Last updated at 3:00 PM on 04th January 2010
Comments (0) Add to My Stories Cuddling up together on a sofa, toddlers Rhianna Warner and Kyron Vince were photographed during a playdate just a few weeks ago.

Tragically, both two-year-olds have died within 24 hours of each other since then after contracting meningitis.

They are among three young children to have died from the deadly brain bug in less than three weeks in Ipswich.

Best friends: Two-year-olds Rhianna Warner and Kyron Vince died last week within 24 hours of each other
The other victim was 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, who lived a mile away from the pair.

Health chiefs say they have yet to find a direct link between the cases and have urged the public to remain calm.

But they confirmed the families and friends of the children had been given antibiotics to limit the risk of any outbreak spreading.

More...Maradona mark II: Beckham hails Argentina's awesome 'new Diego' Messi
Warning to parents after three children from same area die from meningitis within three weeks

Meanwhile, Ipswich Hospital has launched investigations into Rhianna and Ellie's deaths after it emerged they were brought in after falling ill but sent home by staff.

Rhianna had a high temperature and was admitted to hospital but was discharged on December 30. She was readmitted the following day but died hours later.

Her father, Ben Warner, 24, said: 'They thought she just had a high temperature.
'We were told to go home and give her antibiotics because they didn't want to do a blood test. But her condition got worse and later that morning she died.
Meningitis: 11-month-old Ellie Parsons lived a mile away from Rhianna and Kyron
'If they had done a blood test they could have had a better idea of her condition.'

Rhianna's mother, Danielle Watchman, 22, who took the photo of her daughter and Kyron at her home in November, wept as she spoke of her 'beautiful, special little girl'.

'We're devastated. We were looking forward to the New Year but there's nothing to celebrate now,' she said.

Ellie's parents, Kirsty Ludlow and Darren Parsons, are threatening legal action over doctors' failure to diagnose their daughter's condition.

They suspected she might have meningitis and took her to the hospital after she woke up crying and shivering on December 13.

She was diagnosed with a water infection and discharged three hours later but developed severe breathing difficulties shortly afterwards.

She was rushed back to hospital where she stopped breathing. Doctors fought for an hour to revive her before she was pronounced dead on December 14.

Experts believe she had a different strain of meningitis to the other children.

Miss Ludlow, 29, said: 'It has been terrible. We should have had her first birthday and then Christmas a few days later but it was all so empty.

'I shall be following both of these inquiries very closely.'

Kyron, who was blind and had a pre-existing medical condition, became ill on December 31. He had not seen Rhianna for about four weeks at the time.

It is understood he had stopped breathing when paramedics arrived but they cleared his airways and took him to hospital.
He was later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he died the following morning.
'They thought she just had a high temperature. We were told to go home and give her antibiotics because they didn't want to do a blood test'
The toddler's parents, Vicky Holland, 22, and Mark Vince, described their son as 'our sweet little angel'.

His grandfather, Adrian Collins, said: 'We are numb beyond belief.

'Kyron was a lovely kid. He smiled a lot, laughed and brought a lot of joy to everybody.'

As well as its own inquiries, Ipswich Hospital will be contributing to an investigation at Addenbrooke's Hospital into Kyron's death.

A spokeswoman said: 'It is very rare to have three deaths from suspected meningitis in such a short period.

'Our investigations will focus on every aspect of these sad, tragic cases. No stone will be left unturned.'
The cases are also being looked into by the Health Protection Agency, the organisation responsible for protecting the public from communicable diseases.
Devastating: Rhianna's mother, Danielle Watchman, wept as she described her 'beautiful, special little girl'
Dr Torbjorn Sundkvist, a consultant in communicable disease control for the HPA, said: 'We tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of year and it's important that people everywhere, especially parents of young children, are aware of the signs and symptoms.'

Meningitis - the inflammation of protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord - kills around 300 people every year. It is unusual, but not unheard of, for it to be passed from one person to another.

It is usually caused by infection with viruses and bacteria but can also be triggered by some prescription drugs.

Symptoms include a rash that does not disappear when pressed with a glass, fever, headache, stiff neck, aversion to bright light and drowsiness.


Print this article Read later Email to a friend Share this article: Digg it Del.icio.us Reddit Newsvine Nowpublic StumbleUpon Facebook MySpace Fark Add your comments Comments (0)Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have been moderated in advance.
Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all Every parent's nightmare, certainly acute illness wise about as scary as it gets and so hard to get a correct diagnosis in time and even then it's often too late. Rest in peace little ones, I wish their families peace. I can't believe that we still lose 300 lives a year to this infection.
- Bognor Girl of Celtic Descent, Sunny Sussex by the Sea, Englandski, 04/1/2010 17:03
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my heart goes out to the families. RIP little angels
- rachel, essex, uk, 04/1/2010 17:02
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Poor poor children.
- Anita, Chiavari, Italy, 04/1/2010 16:29
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Heartbreakingly sad. My thoughts go to all three families.
- Nicky, Ipswich, 04/1/2010 16:24
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My heart goes out to the families , I just started crying when I opened this page and saw their little angel faces, bless their little souls, this is sad beyond words.
- blond?, Budapest, 04/1/2010 15:58
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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...eningitis-just-weeks-later.html#ixzz0bfLPdYWL

 

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Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Thank you to the moderators for merging the threads. I'm a little confused about where this thread belongs, but at least all this info is in one thread now.

 

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Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

If they had no contact since December 3, then they did not give the illness to each other. Nevertheless, since both of them lived within a mile of each other (and of the third death), they likely could have picked up the illness for some environmental source.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-st...k-in-deaths-of-3-tragic-tots-115875-21943170/

'No link' in deaths of 3 tragic tots 5/01/2010

MENINGITIS

The deaths of three young children from the same town of suspected meningitis was yesterday thought to be a tragic coincidence.

Two-year-old Kyron Vince died on New Year's Day just 24 hours after playmate Rhianna Warner, also two.

A third child, 11-month-old Ellie Parsons, who lived near the pair in Ipswich died of the bug on December 14.

Torbjorn Sundkvist, of the Health Protection Agency, said initial tests had shown no link between the cases.

He added: "Meningitis does not spread easily from one person to another."

Kyron and Rhianna regularly played together but had no contact since December 3. Rhianna's gran Penny Watchman, 38, said: "It is just odd that they got it at the same time."

 

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Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Apparently one of the children might have been disabled prior to contracting meningitis according to this article.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6975986.ece

Suspected meningitis deaths ?unlikely to be linked?Mary

The deaths of two young playmates from suspected meningitis within a day of each other are believed to be a tragic coincidence.

Rhianna Warner died 24 hours before her disabled friend, Kyron Vince. Medical officials said that the deaths of the children, both aged 2, were unlikely to be linked as they did not see each other during the incubation period.

Rhianna?s father, Ben Warner, 24, took his daughter to hospital in Ipswich, Suffolk, on New Year?s Eve after she developed a temperature. Staff failed to spot the illness and sent her home, where she died later that morning. Kyron died in hospital on New Year?s Day.

Mr Warner said that staff did not want to do a blood test, instead sending her home with antibiotics. ?The hospital staff did all they could,? he said. ?Some of them were in tears, but if they had done a blood test they could have had a better idea of her condition.?

The deaths came two weeks after another local infant, Ellie Parsons, was struck down by suspected meningitis. The 11-month-old died on December 14.

The Health Protection Agency said that the cluster of cases was unlikely to represent an epidemic.

 

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Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

Re: Ipswich: total 3 suspected meningitis deaths

And the first of the three deaths has been confirmed, and the body buried.

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/conten...=xDefault&itemid=IPED07 Jan 2010 08:05:52:977

Tearful farewell to tragic Ellie

Last updated: 1/7/2010 11:47:00 AM



Ellie Parsons
IPSWICH: Hundreds of mourners are today expected to gather to bid a tearful goodbye to a baby who died from suspected meningitis.

Loved ones of tragic Ellie Parsons were due to gather for the 11-month-old's funeral at St Augustine's Church in Felixstowe Road.

Mum Kirsty Ludlow put her daughter to bed on December 10 without any signs of ill health but within a couple of hours she was shivering and had a soaring temperature - typical symptoms of meningitis.

Kirsty and partner Daren Parsons took Ellie to hospital and after medics conducted tests, she was sent home in the early hours of December 11.


Kirsty Ludlow and Daren Parsons
But when her condition began to worsen, she was rushed her back to hospital - but within an hour she was dead.

Her parents believe Ellie died from meningitis. A post mortem has revealed that the cause of death was meningococcal septicemia (meningococcal is a serious infection which can cause meningitis or septicemia).

As Ipswich Hospital continues to investigate the circumstances around the tragedy, Ms Ludlow and her family are preparing to lay their baby to rest.

Ms Ludlow said: “I do not feel any different now than when it happened.

“It is still so raw. I am in disbelief. I feel like I have been conned out of Ellie's life.

“I am petrified about the funeral - I have been getting chest pains.”

Ms Ludlow's father, Dee, is due to read a tribute to his only granddaughter and there will also be floral tributes, displaying Ellie's favourite images of Mickey Mouse, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

Three weeks after Ellie's death, two other Ipswich toddlers, Rhianna Warner and Kyron Vince, died within a day of each other from suspected meningitis. Investigations into their deaths have also been launched.

The Evening Star, in association with The Meningitis Trust, has been distributing posters to libraries and newsagents in the area to warn people of the symptoms of the infection.

Do you know someone who has suffered the loss of a loved one and want to pay tribute? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.GHJ