The Eastern Health Board has warned the public, particularly the parents of children and young adults, to familiarise themselves with the signs of meningococcal disease which can cause meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). The disease is more prevalent during the winter months.
The EHB said the disease may initially appear to be a flu with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, fever, widespread aches and pains and a sore throat.
Another sign to watch out for is a rash which may start as one or two tiny pinpoint spots or blotches anywhere on the body. The spots may turn into tiny bruises which do not turn white when touched.
In babies the signs again are non-specific but include fever, being off their feeds, irritability, a high-pitched cry, vomiting and drowsiness.