STAFF and children from a nursery in Oswestry have been put on antibiotics following the discovery of two cases of meningitis B at the institution.
THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the West Midlands is working with Shropshire Council and local NHS partners to support Kidszone Nursery in Oswestry.
The UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team has advised that members of the nursery community should receive antibiotics, and this has been arranged with a local health provider.
Dr James Chipwete, UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Consultant, said: “While the risk of infection is low, as we have now had two cases of meningitis B in the nursery, as a precaution and in line with national guidance, we have arranged for children and staff to receive antibiotics for their own protection and to stop the infection spreading.
“We have also advised members of the nursery of the symptoms to look out for now or in the future.
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“While many people carry the Meningitis B germ, for most it doesn’t cause any harm, but for some infection can lead to serious illness especially in the very young, elderly and clinically vulnerable and can be fatal.
"It is therefore extremely important to be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical help as the illness can develop rapidly.”
According to UKHSA meningococcal bacteria can cause either meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), or septicaemia, also known as sepsis (blood poisoning), or both.
The Men B vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK.
The vaccine is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, with a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at one year.
Kerry Davies, Manager at Kidszone Nursery, said: “The health and wellbeing of our children and staff is really important, so we’ve been working closely with the health experts – taking their advice and helping them to arrange treatment for the nursery community.
“I know that our families are very grateful for all the support we’ve had.”
Anyone wanting more information about meningococcal disease should contact Meningitis Now on their helpline: 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org
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