With three cases of Meningococcal disease in babies across the North West in the past few weeks, one of which was a death, the Public Health Unit and the North West Hospital and Health Service is issuing a timely warning to parents and caregivers to observe closely any signs of illness in babies and young children, and to ensure children's meningococcal vaccines are up to date.
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The Public Health Unit has traced and treated all contacts of the people involved and has taken all precautions to prevent further cases of the deadly disease.
Reports from the Public Health Unit indicate that the three cases are separate with no crossover in contacts and different strains of the disease isolated.
Parents are urged to take children to a hospital if they have combinations of the following signs: high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, confusion, sudden severe joint pain, a rash of purple spots or blotches, dislike of bright lights and vomiting. These may be signs of meningococcal disease.
Even if children have been vaccinated against Meningococcal ACWY, they may be vulnerable to another strain. If your child seems very sick, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Parents can contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for general advice and information.
- Any specific local enquiries, phone Child Health on 47640850 or the public health nurse on 4474 7186 or 4433 6900
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