HEALTH experts say cases of suspected of the killer bug meningitis are on the increase in East Lancashire.

Last year doctors dealt with 45 suspected cases of the disease in the area and the signs are that numbers are set to rise yet again.

Dr Roberta Marshall, a consultant who specialises in communicable diseases, says there has been a steady rise in incidents over the last three years.

Recent high profile cases have seen the disease claim the lives of three youngsters living in Oswaldtwistle, Huncoat and Haslingden.

She said: "Doctors in the area are aware of the symptoms to look out for and tend to have a low suspicion threshold. Not all the cases we deal with turn out to be meningitis but it is better to be aware of the disease and take the necessary precautions."

The rise in the number of people contracting the disease is reflected across the country with most regions experience more cases. Last year 2,500 contracted the killer bug and 10 per cent or 250 of the cases were fatal.

And health chiefs are bracing themselves for more people suffering from the deadly disease this winter when the cold weather sets in.

The majority of people who die from meningitis are under the age of 25 but many others suffer from long term effects such as hearing loss and brain damage.

Symptoms to look out for include:

A flu-like fever.

Headaches and stiffness of the neck.

Vomiting and dizziness.

An aversion to bright lights.

A bright red or purple rash on the chest which does not disappear when pressed.

Anyone who thinks they may have the virus should contact their doctor immediately.

Dr Marshall said: "We have found in most cases parents know when their child is not well.

"People whose children get meningitis say they could sense straight away that something was wrong, if in doubt parents should get medical help as soon as possible."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.