Meningitis warning issued after death of six-week-old boy
Parents have been warned to beware of the symptoms of meningitis following the death of a six-week-old baby boy who contracted the illness.
The boy was one of four children admitted to hospital in Drogheda in the past week with bacterial meningitis, for which there is no vaccine.
All of the children were under two years old and from Co Meath and Co Louth..
Parents have been advised to look out for symptoms including fever, muscle or joint pain, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, rapid breathing and cold hands and feet.
Another symptom of the illness is a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against the skin, while babies with meningitis often have a bulging spot on the top of their heads, as well as blotched or pale skin.
