A YOUNG child at Prendergast Primary School in Haverfordwest was diagnosed with a ‘probable’ case of meningococcal septicaemia, parents have been informed.
Parents are now being asked to look out for the symptoms of the disease. The young child is not at the school during this period.
The full letter sent out to parents reads: “There has been a probably case of meningococcal septicaemia in a young child who attends the school. The purpose of this letter is to inform you about the action taken and to raise awareness of signs and symptoms of the disease.
“All close contacts have been identified and those requiring medication are being treated. The purpose of medication is not to prevent meningococcal disease in the individual being treated, but to prevent spread of the bacteria from close contacts to the wider community.
“Meningococcal disease can affect anyone at any time and, therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of the disease which include headache, fever, drowsiness, vomiting, neck stiffness and possibly a red rash which does no fade when pressed by a glass tumbler.
“Should your child develop any of the symptoms described above you should consult your general practitioner immediately for further advice.
“General advice on meningococcal disease can be obtained from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47; the Meningitis Research Foundation (Free phone 24 hour helpline) on 0808 800 3344; or the Meningitis Now (24 hour helpline) on 0808 80 10 388.”
A spokesperson for Public Health Wales said: “Public Health Wales can confirm that a child from the Pembrokeshire area is receiving hospital treatment for probable meningococcal septicaemia.
“All close contacts have been identified and those requiring preventative medication have been treated.
“There is no wider public health risk and no other individuals will require treatment.
“Public Health Wales will not release the names of patients and would ask that the privacy of the family concerned is respected.
“Meningococcal disease can affect anyone at any time and it is therefore important to be aware of the symptoms, which can include headache, fever, drowsiness, vomiting, neck stiffness and possibly a red rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass tumbler.”
