Local dad issues meningitis warning

A FATHER who tragically lost his daughter to meningitis is urging parents to watch out for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Brian Cavanagh, from Castleknock, experienced the worst consequences of the disease when his daughter, Elizabeth, died in 1993 aged just 12. When Elizabeth passed away there was no vaccine for meningitis but one is currently under consideration by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

“As a parent of a child who died from this devastating disease, I am reassured by the positive news that there’s now a vaccine that will help to eradicate Meningitis B,

? sad Brian.

“Although too late for Elizabeth, it is wonderful news that we now have a resource to stop this fast-moving disease in its tracks. At the time Elizabeth died, there was no vaccine that could have prevented her death.

“But there is hope now and I therefore urge the Government to consider introducing this new vaccine as soon as possible.

?

This week is the Meningitis Research Foundation’s National Meningitis Awareness Week and the organisation is hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of the disease.

Both meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can strike without warning. One in 10 of those infected with the potentially deadly bug will die and a quarter of survivors will be left with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.

Children under five and students are most at risk, but the diseases can strike at any age. Vaccines have almost eliminated many types of meningitis but the disease still presents a very real threat.

It’s believed if the vaccine under consideration by the NIAC gets approval it could reduce Meningitis B cases by up to 70 per cent.

Ireland Manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, Diane McConnell, said a recent survey carried out by his organisation confirmed that meningitis is the most feared childhood infectious disease by parents and health professionals.

“Meningitis Research Foundation is actively campaigning for the swift introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine as we know this vaccine can prevent death and disability,

? she added.

“However people should still be aware they are not fully protected against all forms of the disease, so knowing the symptoms and acting fast is essential to saving lives.

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?¢ To find out more about symptoms visit the Meningitis Research Foundation website at www.meningitis.org.