Teenager contracts deadly meningitis virus

It is understood Christopher Deery, an apprentice plumber from Eglinton, took ill on Friday.

The teenager was rushed to hospital on Saturday when the symptoms of the virus became more apparent.

He had played for his GAA club, St Mary's Slaughtmanus the previous day and, as a precautionary measure, the GAA County Board postponed Claudy's division two league fixture with Foreglen which should have taken place on Sunday. The young man's family have all been treated with antibiotics as a precaution.

St Mary's club secretary, Noleen Curran, said Christopher had been placed on life support at Altnagelvin Hospital.

"The thoughts of the club and entire community are with the family," she said adding that Christopher had helped his club to promotion to the top tier last year.

"He's a very quiet and modest young fella who just wants to play football. The last time I spoke to the family was on Monday night. I have been told there has been a slight improvement in his condition, but that he had to be ventilated again because of the headache. He is marginally better, though," she said.

On behalf of the club, she said: "We are all very shocked. It is like one of your own taking ill when it is a member of your club. We are quite shocked about it, but hopefully it won't be too longuntil Christopher is back to full health."

Anyone connected with St Mary's GAA Club suffering from flu-like symptoms is being urged to seek medical assistance by the Board officers.

Councillor Jim McKeever said yesterday that Christopher was still sedated and his condition had not changed.

"The family really appreciate the support being shown from the community and clubs. I understand Christopher is still very critically ill and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

"This is the second tragedy the sporting community has suffered recently. Last week we lost a 20-year-old in a car accident. The whole community is reeling from this. Hopefully, Christopher will make a full recovery, but at the minute there is no change in his situation," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Richard Smithson, a consultant in communicable disease control with the Public Health Agency, said he wanted to reassure the public that there was no significant risk to the wider community.

"Research has shown that antibiotics are only needed for immediate family members. For work colleagues or anyone who has come into contact with an individual through other activities, like playing physical sports, the risk is extremely small."