Medics launch information campaign on meningitis

The Meningitis Research Foundation has launched a campaign aimed at keeping the public informed about the dangers of meningitis and septicaemia.

The foundation has expressed concern that the public may be getting complacent about the illnesses due to the success of a recent vaccination programme.

Incidences of the ‘C’ strain of meningitis have fallen by 98% since the introduction of the vaccination scheme four years ago.

However, the information campaign launched today warns that immunisation rates in Ireland are still among the lowest in Europe.

The campaign also warns that other strains, particularly pneumoccal meningitis, still pose a significant risk to the public.