Case of meningitis sparks fear at resort

A TOP seaside resort has been at the centre of a major health scare.

Holidaymakers in Kilkee have been given antibiotics after a Limerick teenage visitor contracted a deadly and highly contagious form of meningitis.

The girl, aged 17, from Crecora, Co Limerick, was staying at the resort with her family when she became ill.

After being rushed to hospital, she was subsequently diagnosed with the deadly bacterial form of meningitis.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed its public health department had been notified.

Members of the girl’s family and others, including friends who had been in contact with her, have been treated with antibiotics to prevent an outbreak of the disease.

The girl is being treated at the intensive care unit of the Mid-Western General Hospital in Ennis.

According to the HSE, there were 269 cases of bacterial meningitis detected in the mid-west over the past eight years.

During the period 1998-2003, a total of 11 people who contracted bacterial meningitis in the mid-west died as a result.

There have been no fatalities from the disease between 2004 and 2006.

The disease, which infects fluid in the spinal cord and around the brain, is treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include stiff neck, rash, drowsiness, fever, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colouring.

All cases of suspected bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease must be reported to the Department of Public Health.

An area medical officer then investigates each case.