A HEALTH warning has been issued after a student at an Accrington school was suspected to have a disease that can cause meningitis or septicaemia.

St Christopher’s High School was notified by Public Health England (PHE) that one of its students has been reported to have suspected meningococcal disease.

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The organisation said when there is a single case of illness in a school, other children and staff are at no greater risk of getting meningitis than the rest of the population.

It has also said that they do not need antibiotics or a vaccination.

Headteacher Richard Jones, in a letter to parents, has said that if their child is well they should attend school as usual.

He said: “It is important that you are always vigilant and if anyone becomes ill with symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia you should get urgent medical help right away.”

He said that he realises that some parents may be concerned by the health warning. According to PHE, the symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia can include a severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion, discomfort from bright light, limb joint or muscle pain or a rash which does not go pale when pressed.

Links for further information on the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Meningitis Trust have been published on the school’s website.

Mr Jones said: “We are working with Public Health England in reviewing the situation as it develops and we are taking action on their advice.

“It’s quite a rare illness.

“It’s very much business as usual here and we are working with PHE in this on-going and emerging situation.”

The school, which is located in Queen’s Road West, has declined to release further information about the student or their current condition.

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: “I’m sure that the headteacher is doing everything he can do reassure the parents, children and teaching staff.

“My thoughts are with the student who has contracted these disease and I hope that they make a swift recovery.

“I’m sure that Mr Jones has given out as much information to everyone concerned as possible just in case anybody does start showing signs of being ill.

“Being aware of people having this illness at an early stage is very important.

“And I hope that the situation is resolved as quickly as possible.”

Mr Jones said that parents, students and staff members will be updated as soon as possible.