A GIRL of three has become the latest child in East Lancashire to be struck down with suspected meningitis.

She has become the 19th suspected case of the killer virus since Christmas Eve.

The condition of the Blackburn toddler was today said to be "improving" in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Public health officials have also revealed that a Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil is now out of intensive care at Royal Preston Hospital and is a "lot better".

Headteacher Stuart Holt said the girl, a lower sixth pupil who was struck down by the virus last week, was expected home by this weekend.

The school was today sending letters home with pupils to update worried parents.

Mr Holt said: "I am delighted to say that the pupil has been moved out of intensive care and may be home by the end of the week. "As each week passes, the risk of further infection becomes less, but we must remain vigilant and report to our doctors any suspected symptoms.

"It is too soon to say that we are out of the woods, but things are looking more optimistic. I am delighted that our student is on the road to recovery."

Dr Roberta Marshall, East Lancashire's consultant in communicable disease control, said that seven of the 19 cases had been confirmed as meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia.

A further six are probable cases without laboratory confirmation, but with clinical signs and symptoms which strongly suggested the diagnosis.

The rest are cases where the child was treated for meningococcal infection as a precaution.

Of the 19 cases, 13 are of pre-school age, one at primary school, two at secondary school and three adults.

Five cases are from Blackburn, one from Darwen, three from Burnley, two from Hyndburn, two from Pendle, three from Rossendale and three from Ribble Valley.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph meningitis helpline number is 0990 446644. Enter selection 8219.

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