Pupils treated at meningitis school

The Meningitis Trust has been in contact with the school

Staff and pupils at a Devon school have been given antibiotics after a suspected meningitis outbreak.

Two children from St Peter's Roman Catholic School in Whitleigh, Plymouth, were treated in hospital for the potentially fatal meningococcal form of the illness.

Both were initially admitted to Derriford Hospital but are now said to be recovering at home.

They have been given preventative antibiotics, in line with national guidance.

Parents' concerns

Only one of the two children being treated as been confirmed as having meningitis.

Doctors say the risk of contracting the disease is low.

However, they also say parents should be aware of the symptoms, which include vomiting, high temperature and a rash of red or purple spots or bruises.

Anyone who is worried about the illness is asked to call their family doctor or NHS Direct.

Jane Edmonds from the Meningitis Trust said: "We've had a number of calls from parents of children at the school and we've sent out some literature.

"Some symptoms are very flu-like, and so it's quite often difficult to discern whether or not it is a problem.

"What we say is that parents should trust their instincts and call a doctor out if they do have any concerns.

"The thing is to know the signs and symptoms and be vigilant."