The introduction of the MenC vaccine in 2000 has resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in cases of group C meningitis and septicaemia, according to new figures from the National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC).
In 2000 there were 11 deaths from the group C strain of the disease, but in 2002 there were no deaths from the same strain. Dr Joan O'Donnell, specialist in public health at the NDSC, said the vaccine had been a "remarkable success".
"In the five to 12-year-old range, we have had an uptake of 89 per cent and in the 13-17 it was 81 per cent, so the project in terms of take-up has been very successful," she said. The vaccine had saved lives, she added. "We must build on this great success by maintaining and improving MenC vaccine uptake levels. Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious disease, but it can be successfully treated with antibiotics if detected early enough."
However, it can cause death in 5 to 10 per cent of cases. A study in Britain has also found 15 per cent of survivors are left with disabilities such as blindness, deafness, limb amputations and behavioural problems.
The MenC vaccine was introduced by the Department of Health in 2000. It was offered to pre-school children through GPs. Those of school-going age were offered the vaccine in schools and college students were offered it at mobile clinics in third-level institutions.
There were 14 cases of the group C disease in 2002, down 90 per cent on the 139 cases in 2000. Overall there were 243 cases of meningococcal disease in Ireland in 2002 compared with 515 in 2000.
There were 12 deaths due to bacterial meningitis in 2002 - eight from group B and four due to other forms of bacterial meningitis - compared with 30 deaths in 2000.
The NDSC yesterday warned parents and healthcare professionals must watch out for signs of the disease. These include vomiting, fever, stiff neck, headache, a dislike of bright light, high pitched cries in babies, and a rash which does not disappear when pressed with a glass tumbler.
