Foundation supports meningitis sufferers

ON behalf of the Meningitis Research Foundation, I would like to offer my support to the family of the Cork teenage boy hospitalised with suspected meningitis (March 17).

The subject of meningitis and septicaemia can raise many questions for those directly affected as well as for the surrounding community.

Our foundation has a 24-hour helpline which is manned by trained staff and nurses.

The number is 1800 413344.

We also have a website — www.meningitis.org

Since 2000, the Men C vaccine has been available in Ireland resulting in a significant decrease in cases.

However, it is extremely important to remember that the majority of cases of meningitis and septicaemia are caused by serogroup B disease, but a vaccine is still not available.

Until this vaccine is discovered, meningitis and septicaemia will continue to cause significant illness and death in Ireland.

We must remain ever vigilant and continue to work against this dreaded disease.

Patricia Kohler

Medical Information Officer

Meningitis Research Foundation

63 Lr Gardiner Street

Dublin 1