A PUBLIC health warning has been issued to schools in

Cornwall after it was revealed that four cases of meningitis

have been reported in the county.

The warning from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly NHS Primary Care Trust follows the

confirmation that four cases of the bacterial infection

happened in the Camelford area of Cornwall in the last seven

months.

Schools and nurseries have been contacted so teachers and

parents are aware of the symptoms of meningitis infection.

Dr Brian Guttridge said: “While we do typically see about 35

cases across Cornwall each year it's clearly unusual to see

four cases of meningitis in such a relatively small area, so we

are concerned that parents and youngsters are fully aware of

the warning signs.

“When symptoms occur it is important to seek urgent medical

care so that treatment can be started quickly.

“We've looked into all the cases very thoroughly and the

reference laboratory have reported that this is not an uncommon

strain of the bacteria which causes meningitis.

“While we can't say the cases are all linked to each other,

it's clear that this bacteria strain has been circulating in

the community and it has caused illness.

“The bacteria which cause the infection are carried

harmlessly by around 10 per cent of the wider population, so we

can't eradicate it, but we can raise awareness of the symptoms

to look out for.”

The meningitis cases, all group B, were found in two

children under 12 months and two of pre-school age.

The first infection occurred in December, the second in

January and the latest in June and July.

Dr Guttridge said all four children were recovering from the

illness, while people who had closest contact with the children

had been given preventative antibiotics.

A spokesman said the HPA's Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Team

had been working with the families involved to investigate any

links between the cases and with the Meningococcal Reference

Laboratory in Manchester to establish the strain of the

meningoccocal bacteria involved.

He said the HPA had also been working with the Meningitis

Research Foundation (MRF) to ensure all schools, playgroups and

nurseries received proper information.

Last year more than 70,000 symptom cards and leaflets were

sent out to Cornwall's schools – one for each child of nursery

and school age.

Dr Guttridge added: “Parents in Cornwall are more vigilant

for signs of meningitis thanks to the annual campaign in the

county.

“However, we can't be complacent and should remind people

that meningitis remains a risk, especially to the young.”

Symptoms to look for include vomiting, high temperature and

fever, violent or severe headache, neck stiffness (unable to

touch the chin to the chest), drowsiness and lethargy, fits,

joint pains, a sensitivity to bright light, a rash of

red-purple spots or bruises.