A LEADING charity has responded to news that a fifth person in the region has died of suspected meningitis.

A LEADING charity has responded to news that a fifth person in the region has died of suspected meningitis.

Mark Flannigan, of Cavan Road, Whitehouse, Ipswich, died after an earache worsened, leading to an infection and then to meningitis.

The 30-year-old's death was the fifth in meningitis scare to hit Ipswich and has provoked a charity to urge people to consider the warning signs.

Sue Davie, Chief Executive at the Meningitis Trust, said: “We were saddened to learn of Mr Flannigan's death when we were contacted by his family shortly after he died.

“Meningitis is an incredibly difficult disease to diagnose - often initial symptoms are flu-like. We understand in Mr Flannigan's case that his symptoms started with earache. The proportion of ear infections which lead onto meningitis is thankfully extremely rare.”

In light of the recent cases in Ipswich the trust has highlighted the danger of meningitis in all age groups.

Although meningitis can strike anyone, of any age, those most at risk are children under the age of five, teenagers and young adults, and people over 55.

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Rapid deterioration will take hold if left untreated.

The trust has a freephone 24-hour helpline, staffed by nurses on 0800 028 18 28 and a website at www.meningitis-trust.org.