A Newry and Armagh MLA has asked the Department for Health for an update on their plan of action given a suspected case of a viral meningitis in Northern Ireland.
SDLP MLA, Justin McNulty sent the question as a priority to the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt on March 18.
On the same day it was announced that there was a probable case involving a 16-year-old schoolboy from Belfast. However, the Public Health Agency (PHA) assured the public the case was not linked to an ongoing outbreak in England.
According to reports there have been 15 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease at a university in Canterbury, England since March 13. Sadly, two of those affected have passed away.
It is understood that eleven people remain seriously ill in hospital.
According to Midland Health some cases have been confirmed as Meningitis B (MenB) — a strain of meningococcal disease that can rapidly develop into severe meningitis or septicaemia if not treated quickly.
“The outbreak has been linked to close‑contact social environments, emphasising how easily meningococcal bacteria can spread in settings like schools, universities, and social events,” said their website.
Given the localised incident of the student in Belfast, Mr McNulty asked the Health Minister whether his Department was taking any public health measures to prevent the spread.
In a statement made on March 18, the PHA said: “The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of a probable case of Bacterial Meningitis in a pupil who attends a secondary school in Belfast. All appropriate public health actions have been completed.
“As a precaution, PHA has worked closely with the school and has issued information to parents and guardians. Relevant guidance has also been shared with GP Out-of-Hours services and Emergency Departments.
“All individuals identified as close contacts have been risk assessed and where appropriate, have received antibiotic prophylaxis.
“We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it.”
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F), being sick, a headache, a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won’t always develop), a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures (fits).
PHA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any further advice as required.
For more information, visit: Update on meningitis incident in Kent England | HSC Public Health Agency
Further information on meningitis can be found at www.pha.site/meningitis-nidirect
