Updated 10:30pm

THE HSE HAS advised people to be vigilant of the signs and symptoms of meningitis following the diagnosis of two children at the same creche in Ballyheelan, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan.

The HSE has visited the creche and antibiotics have been given to all children and staff who had close contact with the two children concerned. Parents at the creche have also been provided with information and advice.

Today the HSE said the meningococcal infection often has a sudden onset and while most people recover, “it can be fatal”. It occurs most commonly in winter and spring and young children and adolescents are most at risk.

If parents suspect their child has symptoms of signs of the infection, they are advised to contact their doctor immediately.

These signs include:

• High Temperature
• Headache
• Stomach, joint or muscle pain
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Irritability
• Drowsiness/Impaired consciousness
• Pinpoint or blotchy purple rash which does not fade when pressed
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright light
• Babies may have:
• Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on top of head)
• Blotching or pale skin
• Refusal to feed
• Fretfulness/shrill cry
• Stiffness and jerkiness or floppy body

First published 5.19pm

Read: Meningitis: ‘We never thought it would happen to us – but it did’>

Read: First meningitis B vaccine now available privately in Ireland>

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