Meningitis outbreak closes school

Antibiotics will reduce the risk of carrying the disease

Some 200 pupils plus staff of a Somerset School are being given antibiotics after two children were diagnosed with meningitis.

One pupil at Axbridge First School has the more dangerous strand B, for which there is no vaccination.

Another child has a different strand of meningitis and a third has symptoms which are still being investigated.

All three children are currently recovering in hospital and doctors are pleased with their progress.

A letter from the school - which will stay closed until the New Year - warned parents to watch for symptoms, which can sometimes be mistaken for a cold or flu.

Antibiotics reduce the risk of carrying the disease.

Meningococcal infection is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia.