Meningitis link to girl's death

A child with a characteristic meningitis rash

A mid Wales child who died suddenly may have been suffering from the brain illness meningitis.

Medical sources suspect four-year-old Kara Owen, from Golfa, near Welshpool, may have contracted meningococcal septicaemia.

The little girl, a pupil at Castle Caereinion school, was reported to have shown few symptoms of the disease before her death.

The case appears to be an isolated one, according to health officials.

The National Public Health Service for Wales, which was contacted by Kara's GP after she died, said there were no further reports of the disease or symptoms in the community.

Close members of Kara's family were treated with antibiotics following her death on Sunday.

Parents of children at her school were issued with leaflets giving information about the disease.

A Meningitis Cymru representative also visited the school to give further advice.

Symtoms of meningitis include a fever, headache, vomiting, a stiff neck and a red rash which which does not disappear when pressed with a glass.