Two teenage girls with suspected meningitis are said to be responding well to treatment at Cavan General Hospital. One of the girls was admitted to the hospital yesterday, the other on Thursday. They are from Cavan town and Mountnugent, Co Cavan, but their cases are thought not to be connected.
The North Eastern Health Board said the girls' conditions were not linked to recent cases in Monaghan either.
There was an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis last week in Monaghan town, which is 30 miles from Cavan town. Kieran McGahon (15) died on Tuesday while Colm Maher (12) from Cortolvin estate in Monaghan is still "ill but stable" in Temple Street Children's Hospital.
Two other boys from the same estate are being tested for the condition in Monaghan General Hospital, but are said to be stable.
The board said it was providing "the necessary advice and support to the patients and their families" in the area of the latest outbreak.
"Appropriate treatment" has begun for those who were in close contact with the case of meningitis. They have been given advice to enable them to recognise cases of the disease early. The health board yesterday distributed information leaflets in schools. The health board has asked all parents and members of the public "to be vigilant of symptoms of the disease". However, it has stressed that "very few people" coming into contact with a carrier of meningitis will develop the condition, that "one has to be in regular close family contact with a carrier to be at risk".
A helpline has been set up at 1800-426226, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Parents or others who are concerned about someone in their care are advised to contact their GP directly or to go to the casualty department of the nearest hospital.
