The incidence of meningitis in the State has more than doubled in the last five years, and winter is not the only time to be vigilant, the Meningitis Research Foundation has warned.
Although more cases of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood-poisoning and more life-threatening form of the disease, are seen in winter it does not disappear during the summer. According to the foundation's information officer, Ms Janna Moore, this year the number of cases reported has not tailed off as would normally be expected coming into the summer. "The 1999 figures show that there have already been 310 cases up to the middle of June. This is 50 more than in the same period last year. Meningitis and septicaemia can strike at any time and can kill in hours. In summer and in winter, think meningitis. It could save a life," she said.
Dr Darina O'Flanagan, director of the newly-established National Disease Surveillance Centre, said it was no harm for people to realise that while there was an increased risk in January and February there was also a risk during the summer.
"We do have a really high incidence in Ireland and we get cases all year round. We need to get people to remind themselves and to learn what the signs and symptoms are and get help early," she said, adding that information leaflets were available from health boards and GPs' surgeries.
Ms Moore said that because the onset of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia could be rapid, it was vital that everyone was familiar with them.
Septicaemia often begins with non-specific flu-like symptoms. Others include rash, fever and vomiting, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, joint/muscle pain, abdominal pain (sometimes with diarrhoea) and drowsiness/ impaired consciousness.
With meningitis the symptoms include severe headache, stiff neck (not always present in young children), dislike of bright lights, fever/vomiting, drowsiness/ impaired consciousness and rash.
Dr O'Flanagan said the National Disease Surveillance Centre would be responsible for data on all communicable diseases including meningitis and salmonella.
It is expected that within three years it will be set up on a statutory, independent basis and will work closely with the Food Safety Authority.
For further information contact the Meningitis Research Foundation's helpline on (01) 836-6347.