Important Information about Meningitis & Septicaemia

Dear Parent/Guardian

We have been advised by Public Health England that a child who lives in the village has recently been reported as having meningococcal disease. This is infection with the germ that can cause meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). I realise that you may be concerned about this, but we have been reassured by Public Health England that when there is a single case of illness in a village, other children are at no greater risk of getting meningitis than the rest of the population and they do not need antibiotics or additional vaccination (other than those routinely given) If your child is well they should attend school, nursery, playgroups as usual.

The germ that causes meningococcal disease is often found in our throats. It causes no symptoms at all in most people, but a few people become ill when they pick up the germ.

Symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia may include:

Severe headache

Neck stiffness

Fever

Vomiting

Drowsiness or confusion

Discomfort from bright light

Limb joint or muscle pain

Rash which does not go pale when pressed

It is important that you are always vigilant, and if anyone becomes ill with symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia you should get urgent medical help right away.

You can find out more about meningitis from:

The Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org 080 8800 3344 (24hours)

Meningitis Now www.meningitisnow.org 080 8801 0388 (9am and 8pm)