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Meningitis
kills two girls aged six Two six-year-old children have died from meningitis, health chiefs said last night. The two, from East Kilbride, South Lanarks, died over the weekend. Neither has been named. One child attended Heatheryknowe Primary School, while the other was at Southpark Primary. Both schools are in the Murray area of East Kilbride, but it is not believed that the children were linked. It has been confirmed that one died from meningococcal septicaemia. The other is thought to have had the same virus. An outbreak control team has been established, while a special helpline has been set up to give advice to worried parents. The two schools were open last night to allow parents to pick up letters containing advice and information. The letters will also be available today. Dr James Miller, a consultant in public health medicine with NHS Lanarkshire, said parents should be extra vigilant for the symptoms of meningitis: severe headaches, sore throats, high fever or a skin rash. He added: "As a further precaution, we plan to offer antibiotics to children and staff at both schools." Last week, two 16-year-old girls died in unrelated cases after contracting the disease. Kate Dutton, of Draycott Cerne, Wilts, died on Oct 20, only hours after she was struck with the meningococcal strain of the illness. A second, unnamed girl, died in East Sussex. • The helpline number, open during office hours today, is 01698 286363.
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