With the worrying news that a public health investigation is under way into a meningitis outbreak that has claimed the life of a six-year-old girl and left another girl seriously ill in Navan Co Meath, the national meningitis support & awareness organisation, ACT for Meningitis, are urging the public to always have the signs and symptoms of this disease at their fingertips by downloading their free signs and symptoms app and also to be vigilant and seek medical help immediately if they suspect meningitis.

For the Android App Click here

For the iOS App click here

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, founder and CEO Siobhan Carroll says: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of this young girl to suspected Meningitis, our sympathy is extended to her family and to the community at this heartbreaking time and ACT for Meningitis are here to support anyone who has affected”.

“Meningitis is a serious disease in which there is an inflammation of the lining around the spinal cord and the brain, caused by viral or bacterial infection. The symptoms may be difficult to spot as many of the early symptoms can be similar to those of a flu, so we ask people to TRUST THEIR INSTINCTS and if they suspect Meningitis, seek medical help immediately.”

The signs of Meningitis can include vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike to bright lights, severe muscle pain, confusion. In babies, being irritable, refusing to feed, high pitched crying , rapid breathing, cold hands and feet and bulging soft spot on head.

A rash that does not fade under pressure is caused by septicaemia, but you should never wait for the rash as it can be a very late sign or may never appear.

ACT for Meningitis is here to support anyone affected by Meningitis in Ireland . For more information call 091 380058, email actformeningitis@gmail.com or visit ACT for Meningitis on Facebook

Source: ACT for Meningitis Press Release

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