Student hospitalised with bacterial meningitis

Wanganui Hospital main entrance. Photo / Tracey grant

A Wanganui Collegiate student is in a serious but stable condition in Wanganui Hospital with bacterial meningitis.

The girl was taken to hospital yesterday with what is the region's first case of meningococcal disease this year.

Whanganui's medical officer of health, Patrick O'Connor, said in response to the girl's illness, antibiotics had been given to nine close contacts locally, and Taranaki Public Health were giving antibiotics today to a further 10 contacts in Hawera.

Mr O'Connor also said parents of Wanganui Collegiate students had been informed about the girl's illness.