Parents urged to be aware of meningitis
GOREY MOTHER ISSUES PLEA DURING MENINGITIS AWARENESS WEEK
A GOREY mother has urged parents to get to know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, especially during Meningitis Awareness Week which runs all this week until September 25.
Cathy McGrath from Kilmurry, Tara Hill, shared her first-hand experience of meningitis and septicaemia in the hope it might ensure that people are aware of the symptoms, know to be vigilant, and act fast.
‘My son, Matthew, contracted meningitis when he was 17-months-old, resulting in devastating consequences and life-changing disabilities,’ she said. ‘Vaccination does not protect against all cases of meningitis. That’s why it’s so important that parents know the symptoms of meningitis, trust their instincts, and seek medical advice without delay.’
Meningitis Awareness Week is run by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). The charity estimates that there are around 200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the Ireland.
They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a third of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs. Babies, toddlers and young adults are most at risk but the disease can strike at any age.
Monika Marchlewicz, Ireland Manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, said that they are extremely grateful to Cathy for helping to raise awareness during Meningitis Awareness Week. ‘MRF funds vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia but there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms,’ she said. ‘We encourage parents to get medical help if they are concerned about their child, to be vigilant, and to return to a health professional if they have been sent home but symptoms progress.’
Check that you know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia at www.meningitis.org/symptoms and share the Men- ingitis Awareness Week campaign (www. meningitis.org/maw2016) with everyone you know using #MRFAwarenessWeek.
For any questions about meningitis, septicaemia and vaccinations that can prevent the diseases, call MRF’s Freefone helpline on 1800 41 33 44 or log on to www. meningitis.org.