Warning Over Killer Disease

from Belfast Telegraph ..

By BRENDAN McDAID

PARENTS across the North West were today urged to remain vigilant to the threat of meningitis into the New Year. The warning has been issued by the Meningitis Trust follows the recent death of Strabane teenager Terri Devine.

The 16-year-old, who was a student at Holy Cross College, Strabane, died in Altnagelvin Hospital from the deadly meningococcal strain of the disease earlier this month. She was laid to rest following Requiem Mass at St Joseph's Chapel in Glenmornan last week.

The Western Health Board has now sent letters to parents of her classmates urging them to check their children for symptoms of the virus.

A spokeswoman for the local branch of the Meningitis Trust, meanwhile, said today that their "thoughts are with Terri's family and friends at this very sad time".

She added: "We are urging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease as it can strike in minutes and kill within hours. If people are concerned about their own, or someone else's health, they must seek medical attention immediately. Recognising the symptoms can be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to more common illnesses like the flu.

"The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms.

"Symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all."

Symptoms include fever, possibly with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.

In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis. The spokeswoman said: "If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.

"We produce and distribute free credit card sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses. To request these, call our freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 or visit www.meningitis-trust.ie."

Originally published by BRENDAN McDAID bmcdaid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk.

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