Two pupils at the Birches Primary School, Northern Ireland contracted  a meningococcal infection.

Public Health Agency officials reassured parents that, “both families have received preventative medication (antibiotics), as the children and staff at the school.” They issued advice on how to recognize the symptoms of the disease which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. Contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department immediately if anyone should develop any of these: high fevers, blotchy rash, severe headache and sensitivity to light. Babies can become irritable with high pitched cry, have stiff or jerking movements in addition to the other symptoms.

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