The Western Health Board (WHB) has urged parents in Galway to be on the alert for symptoms of meningitis in children, following the death yesterday of a 13-year-old schoolgirl in hospital.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but a health board spokeswoman said the symptoms indicated suspected meningitis.
The girl was a pupil at Taylor's Hill Secondary School in Galway city, and was taken to University College Hospital, Galway, (UCHG) on Thursday.
The WHB has reminded parents of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, including fever and/or vomiting, a severe headache, stiff neck, aversion to bright lights, drowsiness and or impaired consciousness, and a rash comprising red pinprick marks, developing to purple bruises, that do not fade or turn white under pressure. Parents can check this by using a glass to press down on the spots.
Symptoms include cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, abdominal/joint/muscle pain and thirst.
