BROMLEY schools are on the alert after a youngster died from a condition linked with meningitis and another child contracted the disease.

The 11-year-old girl died last week in Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, from blood poisoning septicaemia which can cause meningitis.

The youngster was a Year 7 pupil at Beaverwood School for Girls, in Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst.

Another child, who is a pupil at Darrick Wood Junior School, in Lovibonds Avenue, Orpington, is recovering from the deadly disease.

Parents of pupils from both schools were sent letters by Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT), giving details of

the symptoms and helpline numbers. A spokesman said: "A girl attending Beaverwood School who had been ill for a few days has tragically died from meningococcal septicaemia, which is known as blood poisoning.

"The meningococcal germ can also cause bacterial meningitis.

"The risk of anyone else at the school getting meningitis or septicaemia is very small. We have written to all parents at the school informing them about this and giving them advice about the disease.

"Following investigation, no apparent connection has been found between this case and a separate case involving a pupil at Darrick Wood School who is now recovering."

Beaverwood School confirmed the girl had been a pupil, but declined to give further comment.

The illness' symptoms include a stiff neck, high temperatures fear of light, severe headaches, drowsiness and a red or purple patchy rash. Up to one in five people may carry this meningitis germ in their noses or throats but experts are unsure why some people are particularly susceptible.

If you have concerns about the health of your child, call the National Meningitis Helpline on 0845 6000 8000 or the Public Health Department on 01689 880687.