Schoolboy is second Scots meningitis victim

Published on Thursday 18 October 2007 00:30

A 12-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has died after contracting meningitis.

Calum MacLeod was taken to hospital last week after showing symptoms of the condition but died a day later.

His death is the second in Scotland this week from meningitis. A 22-year-old student at Aberdeen University died on Sunday after being found in his halls of residence and another student is still being treated in hospital.

And yesterday, it was confirmed a third university student is being treated in hospital for meningitis. The woman, a student at Dundee's Abertay University, was diagnosed with the meningococcal strain of the brain disease at the weekend.

A university spokesman said she was "recovering" in the city's Ninewells Hospital.

Yesterday, Gordon Moulsdale, headteacher at Bishopbriggs Academy where Calum was a second-year pupil, paid tribute to him.

He said: "Our entire school community has been devastated to learn of the death of Calum.

"Calum was an extremely able, bright, friendly boy who impressed all of his teachers with his positive attitude.

"His behaviour was exemplary and he showed a maturity in his attitude to schoolwork.

"Through our school system he had already achieved more than 50 merits for his good conduct, co-operation and concern for others. He was popular with his classmates and had many friends in our school and in his former primary school.

"All of Calum's teachers were shocked and saddened by his sudden death. He was a credit to his family and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Calum was admitted to Glasgow's Yorkhill Hospital for Sick Children after becoming unwell on Thursday, but died less than 24 hours later.

Education chiefs have sent out letters to all parents of children at Calum's school warning them of the signs of meningitis.

A spokesman for East Dunbartonshire Council said: "Senior school staff have spoken to all year groups and a letter from the consultant has been issued to all pupils."

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, nausea, muscle pain and a rash of small red spots which does not fade under pressure.