The Eastern Health Board has renewed its warning to the public, particularly parents of young children and teenagers, to be alert to the possibility of meningitis at this time of year. There have been 13 cases of meningococcal disease in its area so far this month.
Parents, it said yesterday, should make sure they know the symptoms of the disease and seek early medical treatment where necessary as rapid treatment is important.
The EHB has been notified of 40 cases of meningococcal disease so far this year in an area which includes Cos Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow and has a population of 1.3 million people. The cases are not thought to be linked, and there have been no deaths from the disease.
Increases are to be expected at this time of year, but particularly in the weeks after a substantial amount of respiratory disease has occurred, as was the case in January, according to an EHB public health specialist, Dr Leila Thornton.
Meningococcal disease may exhibit flu-like symptoms such as headache, vomiting, fever, widespread aches and pains, and sore throat, she said. This can make the initial diagnosis difficult. Additional symptoms include sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, confusion or delirium, drowsiness, unresponsiveness and even a coma.
She added: "Another important sign to watch out for is the development of a rash. This may start as just one or two tiny pinpoint spots or blotches anywhere on the body. The spots may turn into tiny bruises which don't turn white when touched."
