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Parents put on meningitis alert

by clarissa satchell
6/ 1/2006

PARENTS are being warned to watch out for signs of meningitis in their children after a spate of cases across the region.

The alert comes from the Health Protection Agency North West, which says it recorded 159 cases of meningococcal infection last year, including a number in the last few months.

In 2004 there were 125 cases, whereas in 2003 there were 145 reported cases.

Professor Martyn Regan, lead regional epidemiologist with the HPA, said: "The reports we received in the past two or three months have largely been of isolated cases, with little if any risk to other people.

"However, we tend to see an increase in meningococcal infection at this time of the year, and people everywhere and particularly the parents of young children should be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for."

Serious

Prof Regan said that in its very early stages meningitis could seem similar to flu, but over a few days or hours the disease could become serious.

He added: "In babies, the symptoms may include fever, refusing feeds, vomiting and a high-pitched cry. The child will sometimes be lethargic and difficult to wake, but the symptoms will not always appear together. Someone who has meningococcal infection will become very ill and friends and family will be very concerned about them. If parents are concerned they should trust their instincts and contact a doctor."

Rachel Thomas, 27, of Wythenshawe, whose five-year-old son Evan Green lost his legs and part of an arm to meningitis two years ago, said: "My advice is to get them to hospital just as soon as possible."


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   Please note that readers of the Manchester Evening News can contact Meningitis Research Foundation 24 hours a day 365 days a year for information and help through their Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344. You can also link to our website - www.meningitis.org

Julia
Julia Warren, Meningitis Research Foundation
9/01/2006 at 09:14

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