The child, a pupil in the reception class at Holy Infant and St Antony RC Primary School, Astley Bridge, contracted the disease at the beginning of the week. He is the second child in the class to fall victim, although the first child, who fell ill a few weeks ago has since made a full recovery.

Last night parents at Holy Infant and St Antony on Mitre Street, received a letter from the headteacher.

The letter was written before the boy died last night in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and attempts to reassure parents that there is no increased risk of the infection passing to children in other classes. Antibiotics will however be given to pupils in the reception class and their regular teachers. Close relatives too will be given antibiotics.

"This is purely a precautionary measure and a procedure we follow in cases such as this," said Dr Robert Aston, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with Wigan and Bolton Health Authority. "Our thoughts and prayers obviously go out to the family," he added.

Today, health authority staff were at the school to answer parents queries.

One worried parent, said: "No matter how many reassurances you get, you can't help but worry. It's the family though who are at the forefront of all our minds."

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