HEALTH chiefs in Bolton have issued an urgent warning after SIX cases of deadly meningitis in the last five weeks.

The cases involved the most serious strain of the disease and most were concentrated in the Farnworth and Kearsley area.

Public health consultant Dr Robert Aston said the outbreak was "a matter of public concern" and has urged the parents and the public to be especially vigilant.

As already reported in the BEN, a three year old girl from Kearsley died just days before Christmas from the meningococcal strain of the disease.

The other five cases - all children or young adults - have survived. Dr Aston, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with Wigan and Bolton Health Authority said: "The difficulty with meningitis in the early stages is that it presents itself in much the same way as the flu.

"It's all about being vigilant, there's no greater tool than parental instinct and if you have a sick child who is causing you concern I would urge all parents to seek medical help.

"Although these cases present us with a great deal of concern, meningitis is a rare disease. "It is very difficult in the early stages for doctors to diagnose meningitis, but if your child is sick and you are concerned about them call the doctor out again or go to the hospital."

Symptoms of the illness in babies and young children include a fever, possibly with hands and feet feeling cold, refusing feeds or vomiting, a high-pitched moaning cry or whimpering, dislike of being handled and fretful, neck retraction with arching of the back, blank and staring expression, difficult to wake and lethargic, and pale and blotchy complexion.

Adults suffer vomiting, fever, headaches, stiff neck, aversion to light, drowsiness and joint pain.

At this time of year the incidence of meningitis increases significantly and the prevalence of flu in the community is thought to increase the chances of developing the disease.

In Bolton last year, 34 people were victims of meningitis and to help families a support group was formed.

Working under the guidance of Dr Aston, families, relatives and carers of those who have experienced meningitis, are able to share their experiences and offer help to others.

Details of the group can be obtained from the National Meningitis Trust which the Bolton group is affiliated to. The Trust can be contacted on 0845 6000 800.

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