Meningitis symptoms easily confused with colds and flu, parents told
Families are being urged to be aware of meningitis symptoms after two toddlers and a baby died in the past month in Ipswich. At this time of year, meningitis is more common and doctors are warning parents to be aware of the signs and react quickly to them.The chief executive of Meningitis UK, Steve Dayman, explained that the condition could be easily confused with colds and flu and added that early diagnosis and hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death.Playmates Rhianna Warner and Kyron Vince who were both 2, died within a day of each other. Earlier in December, an 11-month-old baby Ellie Parsons also died of meningitis. “It is very rare to have three deaths from suspected meningitis in such a short period,” said an Ipswich hospital spokesperson. “Our investigations will focus on every aspect of these sad, tragic cases. No stone will be left unturned.”The cases are also being looked into by the Health Protection Agency. Meningitis is the inflammation of protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and around 300 children and adults die from it each year. “Traffic light” system to diagnose meningitis
