ONCE again, a health scare caused by killer meningitis hits East Lancashire, with the tragic death of a four-year-old - matching alarm elsewhere in the country where the deadly bug has struck.

But panic would be the wrong response.

For, as the statistics show, the disease is not on the increase in East Lancashire despite a recent rise in cases in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale area.

In fact, the number of outbreaks is well down on the peak of 34 cases there in 1992.

There has been a sizeable fall in cases since then in the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley district too. Though reassuring, this, however, is no cause for complacency.

Vigilance is the prime weapon against this dreadful disease. And it is most vital during the winter months when, as the figures indicate, the bug seems to be most virulent.

It is almost always defeated by early diagnosis and prompt action.

Parents must, therefore, be fully armed with the facts about the symptoms - especially those in areas where an outbreak has occurred.

For it is with calm concern and education, rather than alarm, that this evil bug will be beaten.

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