Officials reassure parents suspected meningitis case not linked to outbreak

Officials reassure parents suspected meningitis case not linked to outbreak Just now Share Save Share Save Health officials in Northern Ireland have reassured parents that a suspected case of a disease that can cause meningitis in a school pupil is not related to the ongoing outbreak in England . The suspected case of Meningococcal disease has been detected in a student at Bloomfield Collegiate School in Belfast. Dr Jillian Johnston, from the Public Health Agency , said the person is in hospital and is receiving treatment but it is not yet confirmed whether they have meningitis. The Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis which is a bacterial infection that can infect both the brain and or cause general septicaemia. The PHA said there is no increased risk to the population in Northern Ireland. "We are quite content that this is not in any way related to what is happening in England," Johnston said on Good Morning Ulster . She added that doctors by law have to inform the PHA of suspected cases of Meningococcal disease and "we have standard actions we have to take". "For any cases we follow the national guidance and for a single case where we feel it is most likely to be meningitis, we will do what is called contact tracing and identify close contacts." She said for a single case the close contacts are those who are in a prolonged close contact which tends to be people living in the same household. In this case, Johnston said: "We have identified those living in the household and they have been offered antibiotics." She added that it as important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and take action if anyone is concerned. What are the symptoms of meningitis? Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature 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 seizur...