Three people have died in the Republic in recent weeks as a result of meningococcal disease, the leading cause of meningitis in ireland.

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is reminding people to be alert to the symptoms of
Three people have died as a result of meningitis and septiceamia.Three people have died as a result of meningitis and septiceamia.
Three people have died as a result of meningitis and septiceamia.

meningitis and septicaemia, after the Health Service Executive (HSE) reported an increase in

meningococcal disease in recent weeks.

The HSE states that there have been 11 cases reported since week 52 of 2018. Sadly, three of the

people diagnosed with meningococcal disease have died.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This compares to five cases for the same time period last year. In 2018, a total of 89 meningococcal

cases were reported compared to 76 in 2017.

The recent cases are said to have occurred in Dublin and other regions of the country, and affected

all age groups, ranging from infants to elderly. The disease and deaths have not been caused by a

single strain of meningococcal bacteria, but have been caused by multiple strains.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Diane McConnell, Regional Director at MRF said: “We are saddened to learn that a number of people

have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia in recent weeks. Our thoughts and condolences

go out to the family and friends.

“MRF has been supporting people for the past 29 years and anyone with questions or concerns can

call the free MRF helpline on 1800 41 33 44 (Ireland) or 080 8800 3344 (UK) or email

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

[email protected] or visit meningitis.org. We’re here to help anyone affected. 

“Sadly we see more people affected by meningitis and septicaemia during winter, particularly

around Christmas. This is thought to be due to the bacteria being able to invade the body more

easily via the nose and throat at this time of year due to recent infection with flu virus, and because

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

the bacteria can spread more rapidly when people spend longer periods indoors in close proximity.

“Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person by close contact with others such as

coughing, sneezing, kissing etc, but usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with

someone for the bacteria to pass between us. Even when this happens, most of us will not become

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

ill because we have natural immunity. The bacteria cannot live longer than a few moments outside

the human body, so they are not carried on things like clothes and bedding, toys or dishes.”

“We encourage everyone to take up the offer of all the vaccines that are included in routine

immunisation schedule to protect themselves and their families. No single vaccine protects against

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

all strains of meningococcal disease and vaccines against some forms of the disease are not routinely

available so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms.”

The helpline hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. If people call outside of these times wanting

information or support, please leave your contact details and someone from the helpline team will

get back to you.