Suspected case of meningococcal disease in Belfast school pupil
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis
Last updated 4 hours ago
Health officials have issued guidance to parents at a Northern Ireland school following a suspected case of an illness that can lead to meningitis in a pupil.
The 16 year old student at Bloomfield Collegiate School in East Belfast has suspected meningococcal disease, and it’s understood they have been admitted to hospital.
The Public Health Agency says it's not linked to the ongoing meningitis outbreak in Kent in England, which has claimed the lives of a university student and a sixth former.
In a statement the PHA said, “The Public Health Agency is aware of a probable case of meningococcal disease in a 16 year old pupil who attends a secondary school in Belfast.”
“All appropriate public health actions have now been completed”
“As a precaution, PHA has been working closely with the school and has issued information to parents and guardians. Relevant guidance has also been shared with GP Out-of-Hours services and Emergency Departments.”
“We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it.”
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include; a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F) ,being sick, a headache, a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop), a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures (fits).”
“PHA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any further advice as required. “
“PHA is aware of the meningitis incident in Kent and is participating in regular UK wide meetings in relation to this. To date there is no evidence of spread beyond the South East of England.”
In a statement the Education Authority said, "The Education Authority has been informed of a probable case of meningococcal disease in a 16 year old pupil who attends a secondary school in Belfast."
"The PHA are leading on the response and we will continue to provide any assistance and support as required. "
"As a precaution, PHA has been working closely with the school and has issued information to parents/guardians and staff."
"We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it."
Chair of Stormont’s Health Committee Philip McGuigan has said “I have written to the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, to find out what preparations and preventative measures he will be putting in place to manage the potential spread of meningitis.”
“This will be a deeply worrying time for many following the deaths of two young people in Britain and the increased number of cases following the outbreak.”