HEALTH chiefs have sent out information packs to every primary school in Bolton to warn parents about the dangers of killer infectious diseases.

The Communicable Disease Unit at Wigan and Bolton Health Authority has compiled information for teachers to distribute on highly contagious conditions and potentially fatal illnesses such as meningitis, tuberculosis and dysentery.

But as well as the serious infections, medics have also included vital information on the basic worries which concern parents such as head lice and good food hygiene practices.

It will help them to spot the early signs of meningitis to treat it in the early stages by seeking medical help immediately.

And it is hoped that by arming parents with information it will also leave them better informed to prevent them from panicking unnecessarily.

Dr Robert Aston, chief consultant in contagious diseases, has urged teachers to distribute the information and leaflets to all families at the beginning of each academic year or better still at the beginning of each term.

He said: "Parents are the best people to know when something is wrong with their their child.

"Giving parents information such as this can mean they have vital facts on infectious diseases, which will help the fight against them."