A Wigan college says a student has suspected meningitis but the risk to others is 'very low'
A Wigan student is suspected to have meningitis – though there is said to be “no known connection” to the outbreak in Kent.
A letter was sent out on Friday by St John Rigby College in Orrell to inform parents and guardians about the situation.
They said the risk to students was “very low” and people who had been in contact with the patient had been given antibiotics “as a precaution”.
It follows an outbreak in Kent, where 18 cases of meningitis have been confirmed alongside a further 11 “probable cases”, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Tragically, two students have died in the outbreak.
The college’s letter said: “We would like to reassure you that we have acted quickly and there is only one suspected case at the college. Health agencies have completed contact tracing and there is no known connection to the situation in in Kent.
"Across England, there is roughly one case of meningitis notified each day. Health professionals are managing the local situation as we would for any other case of meningitis in Wigan.
"All close contacts of this case have been identified already and offered antibiotics as a precaution. No-one who has not already been identified and contacted needs antibiotics. The risk to students at this time is very low.
"There is no need for anyone to remain off college or not continue with usual activities.”
The letter detailed symptoms of meningitis, which include a high temperature, stiff neck, rapid breathing, vomiting/diarrhea and stomach cramps, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, cold hands and feet, abnormal skin colour, a rash, dislike of bright lights and drowsiness or confusion.
The letter continued: “Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. However, anyone affected will usually become seriously ill within a few hours.
"You should keep checking your child if they are unwell and contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 urgently for advice if you have any concerns or if your child’s condition is getting worse. BE WATCHFUL and use your instincts. Early treatment can be life-saving.”