State urges vigilance for meningitis signs

Claire O’Sullivan

There were 262 cases of bacterial meningitis notified last year, compared with 311 in 2003.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by different organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Bacterial meningitis is the more serious form of the illness and is a significant cause of acute illness and death in Ireland.

Group B meningitis, which can’t be vaccinated against, accounts for the majority of the meningococcal disease notifications in Ireland.

Rates of Group C meningococcal disease have fallen by 96% since 2000 and last year just five cases of the illness, which can be vaccinated against, were notified.

The Department of Health has attributed this fall to the success of its immunisation campaign.

Last Wednesday, a four-year-old girl died in Longford of suspected meningitis. She was pronounced dead at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, and is reported to have displayed some of the symptoms.

Minister for State at the Department of Health, Tim O’Malley, yesterday welcomed the drop in meningitis figures but warned that the country had some way to go before we achieve the Meningitis Research Foundation’s vision of a “world free of meningitis and septicaemia”.

Mr O’Malley was speaking as he launched the Meningitis Awareness Campaign, which will run for the rest of the month.

He called on the public to note the signs and symptoms of the illness and if they were worried about themselves or another person to seek help without delay.

“It can kill in hours and people who recover may be left with permanent disabilities or a range of after-effects, including brain damage, hearing loss and amputations,” he said.

“It is crucial, therefore, that students, parents of young children and healthcare professionals be vigilant where this disease is concerned,” he said.