A SCHOOL was in mourning today after 15-year-old pupil died of meningitis. Dan Anderton, who was due to sit his GCSE examinations at Rivington and Blackrod High next summer, died on Sunday at the Royal Bolton Hospital after contracting the virus over the Christmas holiday. Dan, of Pendennis Avenue, Lostock, is the second child at the school to contract the disease. But health bosses today stressed there is no link between the two cases.

Headteacher Jeff Mills has written to parents and yesterday he spoke to all 300 Year 11 pupils and said prayers for the dead boy.

He said Dan, a keen footballer, was "a quiet lad, very well liked by staff. His own form and form tutor are devastated by his death and our sympathies are obviously with his family at this terrible time."

Dr Robert Aston, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, has already acted to allay parents' fears.

He said there is no link between Dan's death, from the meningococcal septicaemia strain of the virus and a case of meningitis in early December from which the pupil made a full recovery. Dr Aston said immunisation is not appropriate. "This second case of the disease occurred during the holiday period, outside the incubation period of the other case and our tests show there's no link.

"Contrary to rumour there have been no other cases at this school. We are dealing with cases at other schools but not this one.

"At this time of year there's an increased incidence of meningitis across the country and despite what many think there is no vaccination available to protect children against type B meningitis," he added.

He said: "I'm a great believer in maternal and paternal instinct. No-one knows a child better than its parent and they are the best judge in these cases.

"If their child becomes very sick and worsens quickly they ought to seek medical help. Initially symptoms are akin to those of the flu, but a child's condition can be determined by the rapid deterioration and we would urge everyone to be aware," he added.

One parent said: "Everybody is devastated and obviously very worried.

"The first we knew of this tragedy was when our children brought home a letter from the school on the first day back yesterday.

"This is the second case at the school over the Christmas period and many parents are sick with worry about their own children."

The school has been working with health experts to give advice to parents. A list of information, including danger signs, is included in the letter to parents.

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