Meningitis vigilance urged after death of Strabane teenager
A leading meningitis charity is urging people in the North West to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the illness following the death of Strabane teenager Terri Devine.
Sixteen-year-old Terri, from Glenmornan, passed away from suspected meningitis on December 20 - only a week after celebrating her 16th birthday.
At her funeral on December 23, Parish Priest Fr John Doherty said the local community had been stunned by her death.
He said her parents, Sean and Marie, were facing a difficult Christmas.
"No doubt they will spend much of the day remembering their beautiful daughter whose death, just days after her 16th birthday, has stunned this community."
He said her parents decision to donate Terri's organs had already saved the lives of others - including a new born baby.
Fr Doherty said Terri's parents were able to draw comfort from the knowledge their daughter's organs were helping others.
Now the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is distributing free information packs on the disease across the North.
MRF's Northern Ireland Manager, Diane McConnell said it was vital people were alert to the illness.
"There are around 3,300 cases of meningitis and septicaemia – the blood poisoning form of the disease, every year in the UK.
"This means a death still occurs almost every day and a further two people are left with severe after effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss and amputations."
She said meningitis and septicaemia occur more often during the winter months and can affect anyone of any age, but babies, children and young adults are most at risk.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms to be mindful of are fever, rash, stiff neck, confusion, tiredness and sever headache.
The free B Aware information pack on meningitis and septicaemia are available by calling the Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline – 080 8800 3344 or visiting their website www.meningitis.org
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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