The Health Service Executive will visit Abbey Community College in Boyle on Thursday to offer preventative antibotic treatment to all students and staff following an outbreak of meningococcal disease in the school.
In a letter issued to parents on Monday last, the HSE said following two confirmed and one probable case of the disease, and in line with national guidelines, they would administer preventative antibotic treatment on Thursday 15th from 10am-4pm in the Boyle school.
Public Health staff will also be available on the day to answer any questions.
A single dose of ciprofloxacin will be given.
According the the HSE “The risk of further cases of infection is very low, but this is the precautionary approach recommended in national guidelines”.
“Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis or bloodstream infections and usually do not spread well between people without prolonged physical contact, for example, family household contacts”.
The HSE said: “It is important to be aware of the symptoms of the illness – these include headache, high temperature, vomiting, neck pain, dislike to bright lights, a red purple rash which does not fade on pressure and dizziness”.
“Some or all of the above symptoms may be present. Please seek medical attention without delay if you are concerned”.
The HSE added that they are aware that some parents may be travelling at present and unable to attend Thursday’s clinic so they can arrange a further clinic on February 22nd if required.
- Boyle Celtic and Youths Committee are advising that in light of the number of cases of meningococcal bacteria in circulation, all training is cancelled this week.
