Highland scouts contract meningitis on Japan trip

TWO scouts from the north of Scotland have contracted meningitis following a jamboree in Japan.

The scouts have been taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. Picture: Wiki Commons

One of the youngsters is being treated at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, while the other is recovering at home.

They were among a group of around 30 from the Highlands who travelled to Japan. Their details are not being revealed, but they are teenagers aged between 14 and 18.

Officials from Health Protection Scotland are contacting the other scouts in the party to give them antibiotics.

A spokesman said: “HPS is aware of two cases of meningococcal disease in the north of Scotland.

“All close contacts have been identified and are being prescribed antibiotics and immunisation as a precautionary measure.”

The group from the north of Scotland were among 150 Scottish boys and girls who flew to the Far East for a 12-day event with thousands from around the world.