An investigation has been launched by the HSE after four cases of Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, two of which resulted in death, were discovered in Ireland.
Three of the cases have been confirmed and one has been suspected of the Meningococcal B strain. An 18-year-old from Sutton, Ethan Banks, died from an aggressive form of the disease on October 1 in the ICU of Beaumont Hospital.
The HSE have said that the cases have no links with each other as they are in different parts of the country. One of the cases is in a child that is less than 10-years-old.
Read more: Tributes pour for young Dublin man 'full of energy' who died from meningitis
A MenB vaccine for children under the age of one was introduced in Ireland for children born after 1 October 2016. It's currently given to infants at two and four months of age as they are most at risk up to the age of one and a booster is then given at 12 months.
The HSE are contacting close contacts of the strain which is caused by bacteria and will be issuing antibiotics or a vaccination where appropriate.
Symptoms can come on very quickly and are life-threatening. One in 20 people who contract it will die and one in 10 will be left with a major disability such as deafness, brain damage or loss of a limb.
What is Meningococcal meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious illness involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of different germs, mainly bacterial and viruses. Bacterial meningitis, such as in these cases, is less common but usually more serious than viral meningitis and requires urgent treatment with antibiotics.
Bacterial meningitis may be accompanied by septicaemia (blood poisoning). The bacteria live naturally in the nose and throat of normal healthy persons without causing illness. The spread of the bacteria is caused by droplets from the nose and mouth. The illness occurs most frequently in young children and adolescents, usually as isolated cases. Bacterial meningitis or septicaemia requires urgent antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of Meningococcal meningitis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Discomfort from bright light
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- A rash may appear (pin-prick type marks which if untreated can spread to form bruises or blood blisters). DO NOT WAIT FOR A RASH. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.
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