Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.independent.ie/health/latest-news/meningitis-alert-after-death-of-young-boy-2015055.html
Meningitis alert after death of young boy
By Eilish O'Regan
Friday January 15 2010
A YOUNG boy has died from meningitis.
The child, whose name and age have not been released, was admitted to Limerick General Hospital on Wednesday with a suspected case of the infection.
"Attempts at resuscitation failed and the child died. All contacts have been identified and offered prophylactic antibiotics," a HSE spokesperson said.
Parents are urged to be vigilant for possible signs of meningitis, which can be confused with flu in its early stage.
If a person develops any of the following symptoms they are advised to contact their family doctor immediately:
? Fever.
? Irritability.
? Neck stiffness.
? A rash which starts as tiny red and purple pin-pricks anywhere on the body. These spots may develop quickly into what look like bruises that do not fade when pressed. This rash should be taken seriously and is a sign that a doctor should be called immediately.
In the case of small children, meningitis may present as:
? Irritability.
? Not wishing to be handled or disturbed.
? A high-pitched cry.
Other signs that parents are being warned to be on the alert for include: headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pains, poor feeding and seizures.
- Eilish O'Regan
Irish Independent
Meningitis alert after death of young boy
By Eilish O'Regan
Friday January 15 2010
A YOUNG boy has died from meningitis.
The child, whose name and age have not been released, was admitted to Limerick General Hospital on Wednesday with a suspected case of the infection.
"Attempts at resuscitation failed and the child died. All contacts have been identified and offered prophylactic antibiotics," a HSE spokesperson said.
Parents are urged to be vigilant for possible signs of meningitis, which can be confused with flu in its early stage.
If a person develops any of the following symptoms they are advised to contact their family doctor immediately:
? Fever.
? Irritability.
? Neck stiffness.
? A rash which starts as tiny red and purple pin-pricks anywhere on the body. These spots may develop quickly into what look like bruises that do not fade when pressed. This rash should be taken seriously and is a sign that a doctor should be called immediately.
In the case of small children, meningitis may present as:
? Irritability.
? Not wishing to be handled or disturbed.
? A high-pitched cry.
Other signs that parents are being warned to be on the alert for include: headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pains, poor feeding and seizures.
- Eilish O'Regan
Irish Independent