Emergency supplies of anti-meningitis drugs were being rushed to south Wales last night after a third person died there from the disease. Doctors and parents were warned to be on the watch for meningitis symptoms after the third death in the town of Pontypridd.
The Irish Meningitis Research Foundation warned parents here to be extra cautious because the symptoms of meningitis and those of flu could be easily confused.
The number of cases of meningitis notified in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow in January were at a three-year high, but the Eastern Health Board said they did not constitute an outbreak and that there was no known connection between the cases.
A 16-year-old boy from Coedylan Comprehensive School in Pontypridd was in a critical condition last night at Cardiff's University Hospital. Stuart Mottram is fighting for his life after being struck down by the same C strain of meningitis that killed a fellow pupil, Gareth Gould (15), at the weekend. A teacher at another school, Lynn James (55), and a woman aged 66 have also died from C-strain meningitis.
A mass immunisation programme continued for 1,700 pupils and staff at three schools in the town yesterday, while health experts warned that the incidence of the disease was at a 50-year high. Children in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Kent are also being treated.
The EHB had been notified of 27 cases of meningococcal meningitis by January 28th. There were no deaths from the disease.
The disease may initially resemble a flu-like illness with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, fever, widespread aches and sore throat. It may progress to symptoms such as sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, confusion or delirium, drowsiness, unresponsiveness and even coma. Another important sign to watch out for is the development of a rash.
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