Meningitis outbreak: 7 symptoms every parent need to be aware of

The HSE is now warning parents (and the public in general) to be vigilant about symptoms of meningitis.

Mums and dads are being urged to check their children's vaccination records, and be on the look-out for symptoms such as:

• Unusual crying
• Vomiting and refusing feeds
• Pale and blotchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Staring expression
• Being very sleepy with a reluctance to wake up
• Becoming floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with jerky movements

Many, when they hear the words 'meningitis' will be on the lookout for a skin rash (that doesn't fade away when you perform the 'tumbler test' of pressing a glass up against the irritated area of skin), but according to Dr Suzanne Cotter of the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) parents should not wait to a rash to appear if they suspect something is wrong with their child, as not everyone will develop the rash. Here is what every parent should know according to Meningitis.org: Viral meningitis is indicated by more flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever and generally not feeling well, but it is only possible to distinguish between bacterial and viral meningitis by carrying out clinical tests. It is not possible to tell the difference between the symptoms alone. Therefore, every case of suspected meningitis should be treated as a medical emergency.