Sir, – Between March 2010 and November 2013 there were eight cases of invasive group B meningitis diagnosed in an extended Traveller family who lived in different parts of the country. All cases were in children less than five years old.
In the subsequent epidemiological investigation, overcrowding in Traveller accommodation was identified as the most likely risk factor for this outbreak.
Overcrowding and unsuitable accommodation affects Travellers. We urge the Government and local authorities to lead on the provision of suitable Traveller accommodation in partnership with Traveller organisations. – Yours, etc,
Dr SUZANNE COTTER,
Dr JULIE HESLIN,
Dr LOIS O’CONNOR,
Dr GABRIEL
FITZPATRICK,
Dr ELAINE NEVILLE,
Dr ANNA CLARKE,
Dr MARY WARD,
Clontarf, Dublin 3.