It is already known that some children who have had such illnesses can experience deficits in IQ, memory and attention in three to six months after recovery.
However, a new study, commissioned by the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and published this month, warns that these problems persist after even a year and must be better recognised and addressed.
It also suggests persistent problems with children's academic performance as reported by teachers – although says further research is needed into this part of the findings.
Dr Lorraine Als, a research psychologist at Imperial College London, who was funded by the MRF to carry out the research, said: "In spite of significant improvements in measures of memory, there was little change in IQ and visual attention at 12 months compared to three to six months after illness.
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