Tragic meningitis teen Terri buried

Tragic meningitis teen Terri buried
By Brendan McDaid and Lisa SmythWednesday, 24 December 2008

This is the bright Strabane teenager who was laid to rest after her life was tragically cut short by meningitis.
Relatives, schoolfriends, neighbours and teachers gathered at St Joseph’s Chapel in Glenmornan to say an emotional farewell at the funeral of 16-year-old Terri Devine.
At the funeral Mass yesterday, mourners were told of how Terri had been a “bright, intelligent girl” who had ambitions to travel the world.
Terri died at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry on Sunday.
The Western Health Board has sent letters to parents of her classmates urging them to check their children for symptoms of the virus.
The Meningitis Trust described Terri’s death as a tragedy and urged everyone to be aware of symptoms as the disease can strike in minutes and kill in hours.
A spokeswoman said: “If people are concerned about their own, or someone else's health, they must seek medical attention immediately.
“Recognising the symptoms can be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to more common illnesses like the flu.
“The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms.”
She added: “Symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all. They include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
“In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis. If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.
“We produce and distribute free symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses. To request these, call our freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 or visit http://www.meningitis-trust.ie/.”

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/tragic-meningitis-teen-terri-buried-14119859.html

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