A TEENAGE GIRL has died several other children have been taken to hospital following a suspected meningitis outbreak in Ireland.
The children, all thought to be from the Navan, Co. Meath area, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda yesterday after showing symptoms of suspected meningitis.
Four paramedic units and two advanced paramedics brought the children to hospital.
The deceased is understood to be a 13-year-old girl.
Health Service Executive public health staff are currently liaising with a primary school and family members.
General Practitioners in the area are urging parents to be vigilant and to immediately seek medical advice if their child shows any of the signs or symptoms of meningitis.
All known symptoms of meningitis can be found here.
Dr John O’Brien, GP and vice president of the Irish College of General Practitioners said:
“Any death from meningitis is a tragedy for the family and the community involved. Our advice to parents and families in the area is to look out for symptoms such as high fever, lethargy or a rash in their child. If your child has even minor symptoms, or if they are a cause of concern, go to your GP for advice.
“However, if your child has no symptoms, please don’t come to your GP for a check-up. The chances of other children who came in contact with a child with meningitis being infected is very low,” he added.
