Steep rise in number of meningitis cases in Cork

THE number of meningitis cases in Cork nearly doubled in the first five months of this year, compared to the corresponding period in 2005.

Figures released yesterday by the Health Services Executive (HSE) Southern Area show that there were 16 cases reported in Cork from January 1 to May 29. There were just nine in the same period last year.

In Kerry, however, there has been a significant drop. There were eight cases reported in the first five months of 2005, while this year there has been one.

Statistics released by the HSE show that last January there were seven cases identified in the Cork region, most of which are understood to have formed an unusual cluster in a city suburb. This was the highest number of single cases reported in any one month over the past year. The number of reported cases then dropped in Cork in February, March and April, but so far this month another four cases have been identified.

The month with the greatest number of reported cases in Cork last year was June, with six. The highest number of reported cases in Kerry for a month came last July, with four.

In total there were 26 cases in Cork last year and 10 in Kerry. Kerry had seven out of 12 months with no reported cases, while Cork — which has a far larger population — had just two clean sheets.

Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the brain, can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Health experts in the region stress that viral meningitis is generally more common than the bacterial form, which is more serious.

A HSE spokesman said that in the initial stages, it may be difficult to differentiate between viral and bacterial meningitis, and as a precaution, cases may be treated as the more serious bacterial meningitis while awaiting results.

“If meningitis is confirmed, laboratory tests usually indicate within a short time if the infection is bacterial or viral. If the initial tests indicate that it is bacterial meningitis further testing is required to identify the specific bacteria causing the illness,” the HSE spokesman said.

Some of these tests are carried out in the local laboratories, but others require examination in a specialised laboratory. There is a specialised laboratory based at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin.

People deemed to have had close contact with those who have contracted bacterial meningitis will also be treated with an antibiotic as a precaution.

Meningococcal disease, as it is more properly known, can present as meningitis or septicaemia and can develop rapidly. If meningitis is suspected, medical help should be sought immediately.