Two children who attend Our Lady’s Preparatory School and Nursery in Berkshire have been treated for meningococcal infection.
In line with health protection guidelines, Thames Valley Health Protection Team has offered antibiotics and vaccination to children in the pre-school year group and all staff at the nursery as a precaution.
Linda Glennie, Director of Research at Meningitis Research Foundation said, “Our thoughts are with the children affected and their families. Our support team are here for them if they need anything.
“Parents who have children at the Preparatory School and Nursery should be reassured that the risk of the infection spreading is low. Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person by close contact with others such as coughing, sneezing and kissing but usually people have to be in very close or regular contact for the bacteria to pass between them. Even when this happens, most of us will not become ill because we have natural immunity.
“We encourage all families to take up the offer of the vaccines that are available as part of the routine immunisation schedule, however there are not yet vaccines available to prevent all types of meningitis and septicaemia, so it is important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms.”