The children affected are believed to be under the age of 12.
A teenage girl has died following a suspected outbreak of meningitis.
The girl, believed to be under the age of 12, and a number of other children were brought to hospital on Thursday as at least one of the group was showing symptoms of suspected meningitis.
It’s understood that the group of children are from the Navan area and were immediately transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Thursday afternoon once the suspected symptoms became apparent.
It’s also been reported that at least one of the children was then transferred to an undisclosed hospital in Dublin.
HSE Consultants in Public Health Medicine from the HSE Health Protection Team are currently with the parents, guardians and teachers at the primary school where the pupils were in attendance, and are liaising with clinical staff regarding care of the families of the children to ensure appropriate public health measures are in place.
A statement was released by the HSE on Friday afternoon confirming the investigation of the incident and warning of the dangers of meningococcal meningitis.
“The HSE has confirmed that is it investigating two cases of suspected meningococcal meningitis in Navan, Co Meath. The cases were reported to the Department of Public Health, HSE North East earlier today, March 9, and concern two children under 12 who were hospitalised, one of whom subsequently died.
“Spread of meningococcal from person to person is very unusual, especially outside of close household contact.”
While advising vigilance in relation to looking out for signs and symptoms of the disease, Dr Paul Kavanagh, Director of Public Health Medicine HSE North East stressed that the Public Health Protection Team were actively managing the situation locally.
“Vaccination means that meningitis has become a rare occurrence. When it does occur, cases are usually isolated – spread from person to person is unusual, especially outside household contact. Vigilance for symptoms is important especially for younger children and adolescents.”
The HSE has also released information about meningitis alongside a list of signs and symptoms one should look out for should they suspect the infection’s presence.
“Meningitis is a serious illness involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of different germs, mainly bacterial and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is less common but usually more serious than viral meningitis and requires urgent treatment with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis may be accompanied by septicaemia (blood poisoning),” the statement read.
“The bacteria live naturally in the nose and throat of normal healthy persons without causing illness. The spread of the bacteria is caused by droplets from the nose and mouth. The illness occurs most frequently in young children and adolescents, usually as isolated cases. Bacterial meningitis or septicaemia requires urgent antibiotic treatment.
Signs and symptoms may include:
– Severe Headaches
– Fever
– Vomiting
– Drowsiness
– Discomfort from bright light
– Neck stiffness
The HSE advises that if anyone has any concerns they should “contact their GP in the first instance but ensure that medical expertise is sought.”
Acknowledging the concerns that parents and guardians are currently experiencing in the local community, Dr Kavanagh stated: “Our thoughts in the first instance are clearly with the families of these two children, and particularly with the family of the child who sadly and tragically died.
“We are obviously very much aware of the anxiety that is being experienced locally and our focus is to ensure appropriate public health measures are put in place.
“Our medical experts are working closely with the school where they attended, advising and supporting parents, guardians and teachers. They are also working with the clinical staff who cared for the cases and their families.”
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