SOMERSET NEWS: Student taken to hospital with suspected meningitis

A STUDENT at Buckler’s Mead Academy in Yeovil has been admitted to hospital suffering from what is believed to be a form of meningitis.

A statement from Somerset County Council’s director of public health, Trudi Grant, was circulated by the school on Thursday (May 11, 2017) to advise parents and students about the situation and has called for calm.

“We have been made aware that one pupil who attends Buckler’s Mead Academy has been admitted to hospital with probable bacterial meningitis,” she said.

“We would like to reassure parents that there is no reason to make any change in the school routine and no reason for children to be kept at home.

“Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the back of the throat of about one in ten people at any one time, but only very rarely cause illness. Most people who carry the bacteria become immune to them.

“The bacteria do not spread easily and only those who have had prolonged, close contact with the person are at a slightly greater risk of getting ill.

“The people who have been in close contact have been identified by the Public Health England.  Others who attend the school have a very low risk of developing meningococcal disease and no further wider action is necessary at the present time.

“The best advice still remains for parents to be aware of and alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease such as vomiting, severe headache, unexplained temperature rise, dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, a non-blanching rash, drowsiness, and altered levels of consciousness.

“If anyone is feeling unusually unwell, and displaying the symptoms they should contact their GP immediately or call 111.”

If you want further information please visit https://www.meningitisnow.org/ .

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