Byrner
04-08-2008, 08:23 AM
PARENTS are being urged to be alert for symptoms of meningitis after the death of a four-year-old girl from the disease. The child, from Oranmore, Co Galway, died on Wednesday.
Public health specialists said parents of children who were in contact with the girl should be alert for symptoms, although the risk is low. Children in the locality have been offered antibiotics.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) West has issued the meningitis alert following the sudden death of the little girl, who has not been named.
The HSE says there is "a strong suspicion" that the death may have been caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Her family have been provided with antibiotics.
The HSE has advised parents to contact their doctor immediately if any of the symptoms of meningococcal infection are observed in their children.
These include fever, irritability, a high pitched cry, a resistance to handling or disturbance, a stiff neck and a rash which does not fade when pressed.
Other signs include headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pains, poor feeding and seizures.About 10 people die in Ireland every year from bacterial meningitis.
News Source: http://www.independent.ie/health/lastest-news/meningitis-alert-after-child-dies-1337270.html
Public health specialists said parents of children who were in contact with the girl should be alert for symptoms, although the risk is low. Children in the locality have been offered antibiotics.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) West has issued the meningitis alert following the sudden death of the little girl, who has not been named.
The HSE says there is "a strong suspicion" that the death may have been caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Her family have been provided with antibiotics.
The HSE has advised parents to contact their doctor immediately if any of the symptoms of meningococcal infection are observed in their children.
These include fever, irritability, a high pitched cry, a resistance to handling or disturbance, a stiff neck and a rash which does not fade when pressed.
Other signs include headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pains, poor feeding and seizures.About 10 people die in Ireland every year from bacterial meningitis.
News Source: http://www.independent.ie/health/lastest-news/meningitis-alert-after-child-dies-1337270.html