These are the signs and symptoms you should look out for.
There has been a 'noted increase' in the cases of meningococcal disease in Ireland in the last two weeks.
Since the last week of December, 11 cases have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), with three patients having died from the infection.
This compares to five cases for the same time period, December 24 to January 7, last year.
Data from the recent strain of the disease shows that all age groups have been affected, ranging from infants to elderly.
Of the three patients who died, two different strain types were identified.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever (sometimes with cold hands and feet)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rapid breathing
- Severe Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Discomfort from bright light
- Neck stiffness
- Vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea
- Non-blanching rash may appear which may be tiny red pin pricks that may develop to purple bruises. This rash does not fade under pressure.
Dr Suzanne Cotter, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said: “Although meningococcal disease incidence generally increases in the winter months, the recent increase is cause for concern and the HSE wishes to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this disease so that immediate medical attention can be sought if someone has symptoms that could be caused by this bug.
“If anyone has any concerns about meningitis they should ring their GP in the first instance. Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together and symptoms can appear in any order.
“Parents of children should also check that they are up-to-date regarding their childhood meningococcal vaccinations.”
