A toddler has passed away after contracting Meningitis B at a nursery in Lancaster. Another child from Little Learners Galgate nursery is in hospital.
Public Health England shared that the staff and other pupils have received antibiotics as a precaution.
Doctors have advised parents about the dangers of meningitis as the disease can be life-threatening. It can become fatal within a handful of hours as the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed.
Initial symptoms include a high fever, a patchy, red rash on the skin and a stiff neck. Other early symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
Don’t assume an illness is a hangover or flu. Learn the symptoms of meningitis & septicaemia and if you think a friend or housemate is ill, check up on them regularly, trust your instincts and seek medical help fast if you are worried. pic.twitter.com/hzBmnwQBXO
— Meningitis Research (@M_R_F) March 31, 2018
Other symptoms that occur in babies include a high-pitched cry, distressed breathing, sleepiness and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby's head) may develop.
The baby may have a stiff or floppy body. They also may experience seizures.
Meningitis poses an extremely serious risk to children and babies. It is vital that youths are vaccinated against the disease.
It develops rapidly, with patients falling ill extremely quickly. You must seek medical attention immediately if you or your child is showing signs of meningitis.
Child dies from meningitis B in Lancaster and another rushed to hospital https://t.co/RJKVyILvRg
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 3, 2018
The full list of meningitis symptoms:
Leg pains, which are often severe and prevent a child from standing or walking.
Cold hands or feet - even if the child has a high temperature.
Pale, dusky or blue colour of the skin around the lips.
Rash - commonly occurs but not always. A typical rash is common with a meningococcal infection. The rash is red or purple. Small spots develop at first and may occur in groups anywhere on the body. They often grow to become blotchy and look like little bruises. One or two may develop at first, but many may then appear in different parts of the body. The spots/blotches do not fade when pressed (unlike many other rashes). To check for this, do the glass test. Place a clear glass firmly on one of the spots or blotches. If the spot/blotch does not fade and you can still see it through the glass, get medical help immediately
High temperature and shivering - however, the hands and feet often feel cold.
Stiff neck - cannot bend the neck forward.
Headache - which can become severe.
Fast breathing.
Aches and pains in muscles or joints - the pains can become quite severe.
The skin may look pale or blotchy, or turn blue.
Dislike of bright lights - will shut the eyes and turn away from the light.
Drowsiness or confusion - may appear vacant.
Repeated vomiting. Sometimes, tummy pain and diarrhoea.
