A TEACHER from Darwen Vale High School has been struck down by meningitis.

And a 10-month old baby boy from the Blackburn area was due to return home today after being treated for the disease.

The 42-year-old teacher, who lives in Accrington, was admitted to Bury General Hospital earlier this week.

It was confirmed on Thursday that he had meningitis.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said all necessary measures had been taken by health officials and pupils should attend school as normal.

He said: "Meningitis is a rare disease and most cases occur as isolated one-off incidents. It is very unusual for another case to be reported.

"All parents have been notified of the incident by letter."

The baby boy was admitted to Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn last weekend with suspected meningitis.

East Lancashire Health Authority spokeswoman Judith Roberts said the boy had been well enough to return home.

She said: "Our message to parents is, as always, be vigilant.

"It is better to have someone admitted to hospital with suspected meningitis and have them sent home well the next day than not to do anything."

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