is issued

A health authority has issued a warning following a suspected outbreak of meningitis .

Staff and parents of children who attend Heathfield Community College and The Young Sussex Nursery at Bexhill have been advised to look out for symptoms of the

infection.

East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority issued the warning after two children in the same family were admitted to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings with suspected meningitis.

The younger child, who was admitted last Saturday, returned home on Thursday night.

The second child, who was admitted on Tuesday, is still in hospital but is said to be doing well.

In line with national guidelines, people who

have come into close contact have been given anti-biotics as a precaution.

Due to the half-term holiday parents and staff were contacted by letter and alerted to the symptoms of the disease.

Doctors from Heathfield and Bexhill have been notified of the two suspected cases and parents have been told to seek medical advice if they are concerned.

Symptoms include a severe headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, drowsiness, discomfort from bright lights and back or joint pains.

Parents should also look out for a red or purple rash anywhere on the body which does not turn white when pressed.

General information can be obtained from the National Meningitis Trust's 24-hour support line on 0845 6000 800.

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