A case of meningitis has been identified in a crèche in Castepollard, it was confirmed this week.
The Meningitis Research Foundation said it had learnt of a recent case of meningitis in a Castlepollard crèche in Co Westmeath. A spokesperson said the child had been treated for the infection and is recovering well.
The HSE confirmed that one isolated case of meningococcal infection (meningitis ) occurred in the Midlands last week. The case was managed by the Department of Public Health according to national guidelines; however the HSE does not comment on individual cases.
The case was the fourth reported case of Meningitis B in Ireland in recent weeks - there was also a case in Limerick and two in a crèche in Cavan.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, while septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease. They share many of the symptoms of other, more common, everyday illnesses such as the flu, or even a hangover.
The Meningitis Research Foundation says it is vital that people are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, particularly the symptoms that are more unique to this devastating disease.
For more information or to order your free symptoms card please visit www.meningitis.org or call (01 ) 8196931 or the Freefone helpline on 1800 41 33 44.
