We are sad to report that a child has died after contracting MenB in Galgate, Lancaster
A second case has also been confirmed in a child who attends the same nursery, and they are currently recovering in hospital.
Babies, toddlers and young children under five are the most at-risk group for contracting meningitis, with over 50% of all cases occurring in this age group. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to meningitis as they cannot easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed.
Public Health England (PHE) is working closely with the ‘Little Learners’ nursery, and has offered all children and staff antibiotics as a precaution.
Grainne Nixon, Health Protection Nurse Consultant for Public Health England North West, said: “We understand that there will be concern among parents and staff at the nursery, and we’d like to assure parents that the risk of another case arising in the nursery is very low. Meningococcal disease does not spread very easily.”
PHE has also written to all staff and parents at the nursery, and provided further information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Our Founder Steve Dayman is offering his support to both families. He said: “We are saddened to learn of these cases of meningitis in Lancaster, and extend our thoughts and best wishes to both families.”
“Meningitis remains a relatively rare disease, and we urge all staff and parents at the nursery not to panic. Learning the signs and symptoms of meningitis is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease.”
As babies and toddlers cannot tell you how they’re feeling, it can be easy to miss early signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include fever, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, severe muscle pain, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, convulsions/seizures, pale / blotchy skin, spots / rash.
If you suspect meningitis seek medical help immediately.
If you have a question about meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, just want to talk things through or find out more about our support, our experienced support staff are here to help.
Call our Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday) or email helpline@meningitisnow.org (emails are answered during office hours only).
