HEALTH chiefs have urgent parents to be vigilant for the symptoms of meningitis after two Blackburn nursery children were taken to hospital with signs of the infection.

Both children have since been treated and discharged, but the cases have prompted Greenview Nursery, in Cherry Tree, to provide antibiotics and vaccinations to all their children and staff to prevent any further spread.

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Katie Walmsley and Michelle Britch, the managing directors of Greenview Nursery, said in a statement: “Meningitis is a serious illness that can often affect children and all our staff had been trained in recognising its symptoms.

“We are proud of how quickly and professionally our staff responded and the nursery was commended by Public Health England for our procedures and handling of the situation. We would encourage all those who are around young children to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of meningococcal infections.”

Meningitis outbreaks are fairly rare, with only about five cases reported each year in Blackburn, but the infection can be deadly.

Blackburn teenager Dannielle Catterall died suddenly in 2009 after contracting meningitis B, which has led to her mum Toni Burford campaigning for routine vaccinations to be provided by the NHS.

The first case at Greenview, based at Green Lane Community Centre, was reported last month, with the second reported at the start of October. The vaccinations have now been completed.

Dr Andy Liu, of the Cumbria and Lancashire Public Health England Centre, said: “There has been no general increase in cases of meningococcal infection in Lancashire, including Blackburn, however parents should be vigilant for the signs and symptoms at all times.

“The meningococcal germ can cause meningitis, inflammation of the lining of the brain, or septicaemia, blood poisoning. The onset of illness is often sudden and medical advice should be sought immediately it is suspected.

“Fortunately meningococcal infection doesn’t spread easily from person-to-person. The germ is quite common, but illness resulting from it is rare. About one person in ten carries the meningococcal germ in their nose and throat without coming to any harm from it.”

 

Spot the symptoms

  • A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass 
  • Sudden onset of high fever 
  • Severe and worsening headache 
  • Stiff neck, vomiting or joint and muscle pain. 
  • Dislike of bright light 
  • Very cold hands and feet 
  • Drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma