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Girl’s meningitis death stuns primary school
A HIGHBURY primary school pupil died on Saturday after being struck down by both meningitis and septicaemia.
St Joan of Arc RC Primary School in Highbury is mourning the loss of one its youngest pupils after she contracted meningococcal disease – a rare bacterial infection that causes the two major illnesses.
The girl, who is believed to have been about four years old, was a reception class student.
The school has been advised by the Health Protection Agency that this was a “single, isolated case” and there is no need to close or for emergency vaccinations to take place.
All children receive the meningitis C vaccine as part of their routine immunisations, but there is currently no safeguard against the rare strain of the disease the youngster contracted.
Guidance was sent out to parents on Monday warning them to be vigilant in looking out for potential symptoms.
Teachers held a special all-school assembly earlier this week in tribute to the girl.
Parents dropping their children off at school yesterday (Thursday) spoke of their shock at the news.
“It’s just such a terrible tragedy,” one said. “She was in my son’s reception class. From what we’ve been told it happened really suddenly. It’s the sort of horrible news that every parent fears.”
Another parent said: “The entire school community is very sad, whether we knew her or not. It’s hard for us to comprehend it, let alone for our children. I think my children are too young to really understand what’s happened.”
Information sent out to parents from the north east and north central London Health Protection Unit included a list of symptoms and emergency numbers.
Councillor Paula Belford, Islington Council’s member for children and young people, said: “This tragic death of such a young child is extremely saddening and on behalf of Islington Council, I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family at this very difficult time.
“My thoughts are with them and the whole school community, as they try to come to terms with this very sad loss.”
Joan Ashmore, a nurse consultant from the Health Protection Unit, said: “Although meningococcal disease is rare, parents should remain aware of the symptoms which can include a temperature, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. It can also cause a characteristic rash which will not fade when pressed against a glass.”
Any concerned parents should contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. |
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