Sheffield schoolgirl dies of suspected meningitis

Hunters Bar Junior School is on Sharrow Vale Road and Junction Road in Sheffield

A nine-year-old Sheffield girl has died of suspected meningitis.

Parents with children at Hunters Bar Junior School were sent a letter telling them a girl in Year 5 had died on Tuesday.

The letter said the probable cause was the meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis.

Head teacher Jill Hallsworth said the child had a "beautiful personality... she was special and will be missed".

People likely to have been in closest contact with her have been identified and offered antibiotics.

Ms Hallsworth said: "We are all just so sad that a member of our school community has died but we are taking a lot of time to remember her beautiful personality.

"She was a genuinely good person and helped everyone she could. She was special and will be missed. Our thoughts are very much with the family at this difficult time."

A Sheffield City Council statement said: "We are working with the school community to support them during this difficult time and our deepest thoughts are with the child's family and loved ones."

Meningitis symptoms

• A high temperature and/or vomiting

• Severe headache

• A stiff neck, aching limbs and joints

• A dislike of bright lights

• Drowsiness and/or purple rash, which does not fade when pressed

• In small babies, a refusal to feed, a high-pitched cry and swelling of the soft spot on top of the head

Source: Meningitis Now