Meningitis hits school

A girl at a Cannock school has contracted meningitis - the second pupil in as many years to fall ill with the disease.

Children were sent home from Moorhill Primary School, in Moorland Road, yesterday with letters from the school warning that a three-year-old girl from the pre-school had been taken ill with the bacterial form of the disease over the weekend.

In January 2005, seven-year-old Olivia Clarke contracted the bug - she suffered blood poisoning and had to have both hands and feet amputated.

Parents have been warned to be on their guard. The letter offered advice on how to detect symptoms and gave details of specialist helplines.

Education bosses have called in the local health protection unit, who say there is no need to close the school and have not recommended prescribing antibiotics.

The letter to parents said giving out medicine generally to youngsters "could do more harm than good" and could kill protective bacteria in the throat, where meningitis can strike.

A spokesman for the education authority said: "Everyone at the school wishes the girl well and hope to see her back as soon as possible."

Meningitis is a disease which causes inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain. Key symptoms include high temperature, fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and a dislike of bright lights.

Victims may also develop spots which fail to disappear when pressed under a clear glass.

If you suspect your child has meningitis, contact your GP or go to the nearest accident and emergency unit.

The Meningitis Trust runs a free 24-hour helpline which can be contacted on 0800 0281828.

By Shaun Lintern