THE HSE has warned the public of a dangerous increase of an infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia in Ireland in recent weeks after the deaths of three people.
A total of 11 cases have been recorded within a two week span which is of great cause for concern, HSE chiefs have warned.
Tragically, three people who were diagnosed with meningococcal disease have died in recent weeks, with all three fatalities linked directly to the infection.
The public is warned to watch out for signs and symptoms.
Dr Suzanne Cotter, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre said: “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.”
The 11 cases are up five from the same period last year – with a total of 89 meningococcal cases noted in Ireland in 2018.
Cotter continued: “If anyone has any concerns about meningitis they should ring their GP in the first instance.
“Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together 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.”
People of all age groups are susceptible to the disease and two different strain types were noted in the three casualties.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Meningitis – a serious illness involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord – can be caused by a variety of germs, mainly bacterial.
The spread of meningococcal from person to person is very unusual, especially outside of close household contact.
Nonetheless, the HSE advises anyone with symptoms to contact their GP straight away and parents should ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccines.