PARENTS of students at Tavistock College have been issued with a letter warning them of a case of meningitis in a pupil at the school.
The 14-year-old girl student was admitted to hospital during half term. South and West Devon Health Authority has identified and contacted those in close household contact with her to warn them of the risk of infection.
Graham Stoate, assistant vice-principal at the college, said: 'We were informed by the health authority — they issue us with the guidance we need to ensure that our students are adequately protected. They are totally in charge — they tell us what to do.'
Mr Stoate confirmed the student was suffering from the disease, but he could not comment on her condition. As far as he was aware, it was an isolated case of the illness.
Health authority spokesman Peter Leggatt said meningococcal disease is notifiable and as such, the authority had a duty to inform those in contact with the sufferer.
'We have worked with the school in the usual way,' he said.
Statistically, the health authority says school contacts of a sufferer are at much lower risk than household contacts.
Dr Geoffrey Thould, consultant in communicable disease control, said: 'We are in the peak season for meningococcal disease and it is usual to two or three cases per week at this time of year — the risk to people remains low, however.'
Dr Thould said there are two strains of meningococcus in the country, group B and C. Many students at Tavistock College have been immunised against the C strain, but this offers no protection against the B type, which accounts for the majority of cases.
Symptoms of the disease include a high temperature, a rash of red or purple spots, severe headache, dislike of bright lights, stiff neck, drowsiness, vomiting and aching limbs and joints.
Any parent worried or requiring further advice should call their doctor of the National Meningitis Trust helpline on 0845 6000 800.