Galgate nursery pupil dies after contracting Meningitis B

A toddler who attends a nursery in Galgate has died after contracting Meningitis B.
Little Learners Nursery in Galgate.Little Learners Nursery in Galgate.
Little Learners Nursery in Galgate.

Public Health England (PHE) is working closely with Little Learners (Galgate) Nursery following the sad death of a child from meningococcal disease group B.

A second toddler from Little Learners has been discharged from hospital.

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A spokesman from Public Health England said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family concerned.”

Grainne Nixon, Health Protection Nurse Consultant for Public Health England North West, said: “We understand that there will be concern among parents and staff at the nursery, and we’d like to assure parents that the risk of another case arising in the nursery is very low.

“Meningococcal disease does not spread very easily.

“As a precaution, all children and staff at the nursery have been offered antibiotics to reduce the chance of them carrying the bacteria which causes the disease.

“PHE has also written to staff and parents of children at the nursery to provide information and remind them of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection, which can cause meningitis as well as septicaemia.

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“Children and staff who are well have been advised to attend nursery as normal.

“Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, people should be aware of the symptoms that can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.

“It can also cause a characteristic rash which does not fade when pressed against a glass.

“Also, some people may experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

“Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease and so anyone who is concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should seek medical advice immediately or call NHS 111.”

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