Dear Parent or Guardian,

I am writing to inform you that a child who attends Scalby School has been admitted to hospital with suspected meningitis, probably caused by the meningococcus bacteria. No further action is necessary at this present time. There is no reason to make any change in the school routine and no reason for children to be kept at home.
Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the back of the throat of about one in ten people at any one time, but only rarely cause illness. The bacteria do not spread easily and only those who have had prolonged close contact (such as family members) with the person who is ill have a slightly greater risk of getting ill. These people have already been identified and all necessary public health action has been taken.

Although the risk of another case in the school is very small, it is always sensible to be aware of the signs and symptoms, which are detailed in the attached leaflet.

If you have individual worries about this case, you can speak to a member of the North Yorkshire and the Humber Health Protection Unit on 01904 567675 during normal working hours.

Yours sincerely,

Samantha Richmond
Health Protection Nurse