Third meningitis case in Brittany in two months
Girl from maternelle class is hospitalised in Brest, and up to 60 people advised to see their GP
A young girl from Yves-Riou public school at Pouldergat (near Douarnenez, Finistère), has contracted an invasive meningococcal infection.
The girl, from the maternelle class, has been admitted to pediatric intensive care in Brest and people who have been in contact with her were advised to see a doctor as soon as possible.
When the meningococcus B infection was confirmed, the regional health agency sent a doctor to the school immediately to identify children and adults who, in the last 10 days, had been in direct contact with the girl for more than one hour and at less than one metre distance.
An Agence Régionale de Santé doctor said they had identified around 60 people who might have had recent physical contact with the girl and advised them to see their GP, who will administer antibiotics.
The doctor said meningococcal infection is "quite rare" with just "six cases per 100,000 inhabitants" – but this is the third case of meningitis in two months in Brittany.
In January there was a case in Broons (Côtes d'Armor) and last month a four-month-old girl died near Dinan, also Côtes-d'Armor, after contracting tuberculosis - a very rare form called tuberculous meningitis that is seen in only 80 cases per year.
Among the preventative measures to adopt against meningitis are vaccination, careful washing of hands, keeping your distance from infected people, and not sharing personal items such as drinks.
The common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff and painful neck, vomiting, confusion and decreased level of consciousness.
