Third pupil may have meningitis

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A third pupil at a top Wirral school is being treated for suspected meningitis.

A 16-year-old girl from Calday Grange Grammar School is receiving treatment at Arrowe Park Hospital for the meningococcal strain of the disease.

Two other students, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, were admitted on Friday after contracting meningitis.

The Heath Protection Agency said the latest teenager to fall ill is not believed to be as sick as her fellow pupils originally were.

The pair who first contracted meningitis are showing signs of improving.

As a precautionary measure a team of doctors and nurses have visited Calday Grange Grammar School to give antibiotics to 600 sixth-formers and staff.

Signs of meningitis A rash that will not fade when pressed with a glass Sudden onset of high feverSevere and worsening headacheStiff neck, vomiting, muscle pain, very cold hands and feetDislike of bright lightsDrowsiness that can lead to a coma

A spokesman for the Health Protection Unit added: "Meningitis does not spread easily from person-to-person and there are no obvious links between the two confirmed cases or the possible case.

"We do tend to see more cases at this time of the year and everyone should be vigilant for it and aware of the symptoms to look out for."

Letters have also been sent home to parents urging them to remain vigilant to symptoms of the disease.