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Hull case sparks meningitis fearsDate: 05/10/2007 09:56:02
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A seven-year old Hull schoolboy from is reported to have died from meningitis this week, casting renewed attention on the condition.
Hull's Teaching Primary Care Trust said that the suspected cause of death was meningococcal meningitis, sparking fears at the possible spread of the disease at Fifth Avenue Primary School.
Parents were assured that those in contact with the boy had been given medical advice - the dangerous disease can take two debilitating forms which are sometimes not recognised until too late.
The more severe bacterial form can often be fatal, with germs from the back of the nose or throat infecting the meninges and the bacteria spreading by close prolonged contact, while the viral form is less severe but occurs more frequently and has a longer incubation period.
Dr Wendy Richardson, Hull director of public health, told the BBC that calm was needed: "Public health staff have advised the school concerned and all the appropriate action has been taken.
"While I understand people's concerns in these situations, it's important to stress that this is a single case and it is very uncommon to see other linked cases of meningococcal disease."
Symptoms of the condition to look out for are fevers, headaches, vomiting, stiff necks, an aversion to bright lights and sometimes a meningitis rash, with those concerned urged to talk to a doctor and seek health advice as soon as possible.
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