A young girl has sadly died from meningitis in the last 24 hours, and parents are now being advised to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the infection.
According to the Irish Independent, medical sources in county Meath confirmed her death. At present, another girl is in hospital in a critical condition.
Both girls are reportedly from county Meath and under 13 years old.
HSE public health staff have been in contact with the extended family and a primary school.
As well, antibiotics have been supplied where appropriate.
GPs have warned parents to be watchful and recommend seeking medical advice if their child exhibits just one of the signs or symptoms.
"Any death from meningitis is a tragedy for the family and community involved. Our advice to parents and families in the area is to look out for symptoms such as high fever, lethargy or a rash in their child," noted Dr John O'Brien, GP and Vice-President of the Irish College of General Practitioners.
"If your child has even minor symptoms, or if they are a cause of concern, go to your GP for advice.
“However, if your child has no symptoms, please don't come to your GP for a check-up. The chances of other children who came in contact with a child with meningitis being infected is very low."
Other symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Being too sleepy to wake up
- High temperature
- Irritability
- Bulging soft spot
- Unusual grunting noises
- Excessive shivering
- Cold hands and feet
- Blotchy skin
- Rash
- Stiff body
Our hearts go out to the family of the young girl, and we hope for the speedy recovery of the girl still in hospital.
