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| Girl, eight, dies from meningitis | |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The Public Health Agency has moved to alleviate public fears after the death of an eight-year-old County Down girl from meningitis. | |
| Karla Smyth, from Stream Street in Downpatrick, became ill on Wednesday afternoon and died on Thursday. | |
| The little girl was a pupil at St Colmcille's Primary School. | |
| Dr Philip Donaghy said any risk to other people was "very small". He said her family had been given antibiotics to prevent spread of the illness. | |
| "The parents of children who attend the same school - and its staff - have also been provided with advice on the health protection measures that have been taken, and on what they should do if they suspect any further illness," he said. | |
| "Antibiotics are not provided to people beyond the immediate family circle as this can increase the risk to others by lowering the body's ability to naturally counter infection." | |
| He said meningitis remained a relatively rare form of illness. | |
| Symptoms can include nausea, severe muscle pain, skin rash, and an aversion to bright lights. Dr Donaghy said anyone who remains concerned in any way should contact their GP for further advice. | |
| Some members of Karla's family have been travelling home from Australia following her death. | |
| Her funeral will be held in Downpatrick on Tuesday. |