HSE South West Confirms Single MenB Meningitis Case in Cork; Person Has Recovered

HSE South West has confirmed a single case of bacterial meningitis was reported in Cork during the week beginning 9 March, subsequently identified as meningococcal disease serotype B (MenB). The affected person has recovered well and no further cases have been reported since.

Contact tracing was conducted following the diagnosis. HSE South West confirmed no link to the MenB outbreak in Kent, UK was found. Antibiotics were prescribed for close contacts, with follow-up MenB vaccinations also provided.

HSE South West said there is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in Ireland beyond expected seasonal and background levels, and no indication of any link between cases in Ireland and the Kent outbreak. Nationally, 12 cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in Ireland in 2026, with no deaths. Of those, nine were Serogroup B. In HSE South West, which covers Cork and Kerry, four confirmed MenB cases have been notified so far this year.

The HSE is urging the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies, young children, and to a lesser extent teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, or a rash that does not fade under pressure. The HSE has emphasised:

"Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately. Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance immediately or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) or ED for children if you think that you or your child is seriously ill."

For further information, visit hse.ie.