Student of Roscommon school battling Meningitis outbreak first became sick on school trip to Poland

Three students of a County Roscommon secondary school are currently being treated for a strain of Meningitis.

Two cases of Meningitis B have been confirmed at Abbey Community College in Boyle, while a further probable case of the disease is currently being investigated.

The first case was identified after a student became ill while on a school trip to Poland.

The school is currently closed for mid term break but parents were notified of the situation on Monday.

Abbey Community College Principal David Harding confirmed that all three students are being treated for a strain of meningitis and are thankfully recovering following this treatment.

“Over the past week ACC was made aware, that initially two, and later a third student had become extremely ill.

“One of these students became ill while on a school trip to Poland.

“Medical investigation and interventions were carried out by Sligo University Hospital, doctors from Temple Street Children’s hospital and a specialist medical facility in Poland.

“Abbey Community College is working closely with and under the direction of, the HSE and the Public Health Surveillance to manage this situation.

“On the advice of the HSE, all staff and students of ACC are being offered medical intervention to manage any potential further cases.

“This involves the administration of an oral antibiotic and is being carried out in the school this Thursday.

“We wish our students a speedy recovery and ask that these students and their families are afforded all the privacy needed to help in this recovery,” said Mr Harding.

The Health Service Executive will visit the secondary school on Thursday, February 15 to offer preventative antibiotic treatment to all students and staff following confirmation of the cases.

HSE staff members will also provide support and guidance for anyone with concerns.

Symptoms of the disease include a high temperature of 38°C or higher or cold hands and feet and is shivering

Other symptoms include a dislike of bright lights, headache and neck stiffness, pain or body stiffness, tummy symptoms, confused, tired or irritable, has pale or bluish skin, unusual breathing, seizures or a rash.

The rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass tumbler against it.

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