Meningitis claims life of six-week-old baby

Parents were warned to be aware of the signs for meningitis today after the latest outbreak claimed the life of a six-week-old baby boy.

One of four babies with bacterial meningitis admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth over the past week has died.

The Health Service Executive for the north east region stated: “Tragically, one of these patients has died.

“The others are all responding to treatment.”

All of the patients are under two-years-old and come from the counties Meath and Louth.

The Drogheda hospital said parents, especially those with small children, should take heed of the symptoms and signs of the infection.

The hospital’s doctors have been following up anyone in contact with these children and ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to minimise the risk of further cases occurring.

The infections were all caused by Group B Meningococcus, a bacterial form of the disease, which has no preventative vaccine so far.

In 2003, there were 311 cases of bacterial meningitis reported with 18 deaths.

The Meningitis Research Foundation, which is currently spending €5.7m on 31 projects into preventing and detecting the disease, said the Group B Meningococcus is the most common form in Ireland and scientists are still working to establish a preventative vaccine.

The foundation said a vaccine introduced in October 2000 to protect against the Group C meningococcal disease has saved lives.

Some of the signs of meningitis include fever, stomach muscle or joint pain, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet.

Another symptom is a rash which does not fade when a glass is pressed against the skin.

However, small babies may also suffer from a tense or bulging spot on top of their heads, blotched or pale skin, a refusal to feed, fretfulness or a shrill cry, body stiffness or floppiness.

The hospital warned parents to immediately seek medical advice if they were concerned about a child.

The Meningitis Research Foundation 24-hour helpline is 1890 413344.