News & events

Parents urged to be vigilant after three meningitis deaths in Ipswich

02.01.10

MENINGITIS UK has warned parents not to panic but said they should be extra vigilant after two children from the same area died with suspected meningitis in two days.

Both children were from the Ipswich area of Suffolk.

The Health Protection Agency said one child died on New Year's Eve and the other died on New Year's Day. It has been reported locally that the toddlers were playmates.

On December 14 18-month-old Ellie Parsons, also from Ipswich, died from the illness.

Steve Dayman, the charity's chief executive who lost his own son to the disease in 1982, said: "After the tragic death of Ellie, to hear about two more deaths so soon after is very concerning. It must be distressing for the whole community.

"To lose a child to a terrible disease like this is the biggest emotional challenge a parent can face and my heart goes out to the families of all three children.

"While it's important not to panic, people need to be alert to the disease's symptoms and act swiftly if they're concerned.

"While meningitis and septicaemia are rare, it is common for the bacteria which cause the disease to live harmlessly in the back of people's throats. They can only be passed from person to person in nasal or oral droplets, for example by kissing or sneezing.

"The bacteria are harmless to most of us but can potentially turn into deadly killers, which is why people need to remain vigilant."

He said that meningitis is notoriously difficult to diagnose because its initial symptoms are similar to the cold and flu.

Meningitis UK is dedicated to funding vaccine research to eradicate the disease through its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

Although successful vaccines exist to protect against some strains, there is still no vaccine available to protect against the most common form - meningococcal group B.

Mr Dayman added: "This makes us more determined to find a vaccine.

"In several of these cases it sounds like tell-tale symptoms were missed at the hospital and the children were sent home.

"Health professionals need to make sure they're alert to all the signs because of the speed at which meningitis strikes, sometimes killing in under four hours.

"These tragedies emphasise the importance of early recognition, diagnosis and prompt treatment. Meningitis should always be a major consideration because early diagnosis and hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death."

Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a ‘Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.

To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org