THE tragic death of a two-year-old child from meningitis and another from the same nursery in East Lancashire being rushed to hospital will strike every parent with fear.

Meningitis is a pernicious disease that, to begin with, has symptoms similar to many other less serious illnesses and failure to detect it quickly can have dreadful consequences.

Even so, panic is not the best response to any outbreak. But vigilance and awareness are necessary.

According to experts, the risk is extremely small of further cases occurring among children at the Colne nursery attended by the little boy who has died and the girl of the same age now in hospital.

That will provide hope and comfort for the families of the other children there though all will remain devastated the loss of such a young life.

The danger is also being diminished by antibiotic drugs being offered to children, staff and immediate close family contacts.

It is a precaution that must be taken up to the full no matter how slight the risk of further cases. It is vital that this outbreak is nailed.

But, equally important, is that each parent is aware of the symptoms of meningitis so that they can get swift medical help as soon as they suspect their child may be ill.

These include rash, drowsiness, fever, vomiting, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, severe headache, dislike of bright lights and stiff neck, though not all the symptoms may appear together. Fuller information is available on telephone helplines whose numbers appear in our report tonight.

Parents in Pendle will be worried, but armed with knowledge and awareness they can play a real part in ensuring that this awful tragedy has been confined.