Boy dies in Mid-Western Regional Hospital of meningitis

THE HSE this Thursday have confirmed that a young boy who was a suspected case of meningitis, was admitted to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick yesterday. Attempts at resuscitation failed and the child died.

Parents have been advised to observe for symptoms of the illness and consult their GP immediately.

The following are symptoms of meningococcal infection.  If a person develops any of these please contact your family doctor immediately:

o    Fever
o    Irritability
o    Neck stiffness
o    Rash – starts as tiny red/purple pin pricks any where on the body, spots may develop quickly into what look like bruises that do not fade when pressed.  This rash should be taken seriously and is a sign to call the doctor immediately. 
In the case of small children it may present as:
o    Irritability
o    Not wishing to be handled or disturbed
o    High pitched cry
Other signs include:
o    Headache
o    Nausea
o    Vomiting
o    Joint pains
o    Poor feeding
o    Seizures