A WIRRAL school is returning to normal this week after a six-year-old girl was taken to hospital suffering from meningococcal meningitis.

Parents at Town Lane Infants in Bebington were told the news on Monday morning and many decided to keep their children off school despite safety assurances from the Health Authority.

One father said he was "extremely concerned" because the girl involved had been in school on Friday, less than 48 hours before her condition was diagnosed.

The child was admitted to Arrowe Park Hospital, where her condition was later described as "satisfactory."

Letters were sent to every parent as soon as it was established that there was no danger to other children's health. A spokeswoman for Town Lane Infants said the school was open as usual and that children had been "gradually returning" to lessons throughout Monday.

Dr Catherine Quigley of Wirral Health Authority said: "While it is sensible to be vigilant about warning signs it is important not to panic. Meningitis is still an uncommon disease and most cases are isolated and not linked."

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