HSE warn public to be vigilant about meningitis after North East case

The HSE has launched a campaign urging the public to be vigilant regarding meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia after the disease was reported in the north east recently.

Eleven cases across the country have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) since the last week in December. Three patients diagnosed with meningococcal disease have sadly died. All three deaths were directly due to this infection.

According to Dr Suzanne Cotter, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, ‘Although meningococcal disease incidence generally increases in the winter months, the recent increase is cause for concern and the HSE wishes to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this disease so that immediate medical attention can be sought if someone has symptoms that could be caused by this bug.

‘If anyone has any concerns about meningitis they should ring their GP in the first instance. Meningitis and septicaemia often happen to- gether and symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms can include; fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps, fever with cold hands and feet and a rash, but do not wait for the rash to appear. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.’

‘Parents of children should also check that they are up-to-date regarding their childhood meningococcal vaccinations.’

Provisional data shows different strains of the organism are circulating and causing disease. All age groups have been affected, ranging from infants to elderly. Of the three patients who died, two different strain types were identified. The illness occurs most frequently in young children and adolescents, usually as isolated cases.

Bacterial meningitis or septicaemia requires urgent antibiotic treatment.

The HSE advises that if anyone has any concerns or showing symptoms, they should contact their GP in the first instance but ensure that medical expertise is sought.