![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/meningitis.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
A Newry and Armagh MLA has asked the Department for Health for an update on their plan of action given a suspected case of a viral meningitis in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
SDLP MLA, Justin McNulty sent the question as a priority to the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt on March 18.<\/p>\n
On the same day it was announced that there was a probable case involving a 16-year-old schoolboy from Belfast. However, the Public Health Agency (PHA) assured the public the case was not linked to an ongoing outbreak in England.<\/p>\n
According to reports there have been 15 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease at a university in Canterbury, England since March 13. Sadly, two of those affected have passed away.<\/p>\n
It is understood that eleven people remain seriously ill in hospital.<\/p>\n
According to Midland Health some cases have been confirmed as Meningitis B (MenB) \u2014 a strain of meningococcal disease that can rapidly develop into severe meningitis or septicaemia if not treated quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe outbreak has been linked to close\u2011contact social environments, emphasising how easily meningococcal bacteria can spread in settings like schools, universities, and social events,\u201d said their website.<\/p>\n
Given the localised incident of the student in Belfast, Mr McNulty asked the Health Minister whether his Department was taking any public health measures to prevent the spread.<\/p>\n
In a statement made on March 18, the PHA said: \u201cThe Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of a probable case of Bacterial Meningitis in a pupil who attends a secondary school in Belfast. All appropriate public health actions have been completed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a precaution, PHA has worked closely with the school and has issued information to parents and guardians. Relevant guidance has also been shared with GP Out-of-Hours services and Emergency Departments.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll individuals identified as close contacts have been risk assessed and where appropriate, have received antibiotic prophylaxis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F), being sick, a headache, a blotchy rash that doesn\u2019t fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won\u2019t always develop), a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures (fits).<\/p>\n
PHA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any further advice as required.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit: Update on meningitis incident in Kent England | HSC Public Health Agency<\/p>\n