Parents reassured after meningitis rumours scare

DUBAI // Parents have been reassured by Dubai Health Authority that there have been no confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis in the emirate after a letter was sent from a school in Mirdif suggesting a possible case.

A child was sent home from Uptown School after complaining of a stiff neck and flu-like symptoms. The letter was sent from a member of staff advising parents to be aware of symptoms of meningitis, such as headache, nausea, stiff neck, vomiting and sensitivity to light.

Meningitis is an infection of the membrane covering the brain, usually caused due to bacteria. The condition can be serious, particularly in young children.

The child in question has since been given the all clear and is recovering, but many parents panicked as word spread of a possible wider infection.

Rachel Jex, an English nurse at the Dubai British Foundation, a nursery near Jumeirah Islands for 265 children aged between three and five, said that although meningitis occurs all over the world, it is relatively rare.

“I’ve had many parents coming to me absolutely panic stricken,” she said.

“But once I had spoken to them and given them more information, they were much calmer and not quite as anxious.

“There are lots of bugs going around at the moment that are scaring parents unnecessarily.

“It goes back to just general advice that parents should ensure their children are well before sending them to school. Good handwashing techniques with soap and water is also important and an easy way to cut down risk of infection.”

Common meningitis symptoms are a high fever, cold hands and feet, headaches, difficulty to focus or sensitivity to light and stiffness in the neck.

Children under the age of five and the elderly are particularly susceptible due to their weaker immune system.

A DHA letter was sent to all private schools in Dubai reassuring parents that there had been no confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis in the emirate.

“We would like the school nurse to communicate with DHA–School Health Unit in case of any admission to any hospital,” the note said. “Please note that the practice of sending improper information to parents will create fear and may prevents students from attending schools. Kindly consult school health unit before any action.”

In the UK, children are routinely vaccinated against meningitis B and C in their early years, and between the ages of 13 to 18 they receive the ACWY vaccine. That vaccine is available here in the UAE and is often taken before the Haj pilgrimage.

The Men ACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm and protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia – meningococcal (Men) A, C, W and Y diseases. It is not suitable for children under the age of two.

Dr Hala El Hagrasi, consultant paediatrician at Burjeel Hospital, said: “The parents had reason to worry as meningitis spreads fast and can spread in a classroom.”

nwebster@thenational.ae