Local GP: Leesiders are concerned over meningitis outbreak

There has been a notable increase in people asking questions about the symptoms of meningitis on Leeside, a local GP has confirmed following an alarming outbreak in the UK.

UK health officials remain on high alert after 20 cases of Meningococcal Group B (MenB) were confirmed in the Kent area recently, with two deaths associated with the outbreak.

GP and Cork City Councillor, Dr John Sheehan, (Fianna Fáil) told the Cork Independent he has seen an increase in people concerned about the symptoms of the potentially deadly infection.

As a result of the outbreak, the UK now faces a shortage on MenB vaccines for private purchase following a sharp surge in demand, which in turn is having a knock-on effect in Ireland.

“There is a shortage of the vaccine privately at present due to UK demand,” said Dr Sheehan.

The HSE recently confirmed a single case of meningitis at UCC but said there is no known link to the UK outbreak. It is understood the infected student is recovering well.

Though one case is not considered an outbreak, Dr Sheehan encouraged the public to be vigilant for symptoms.

Symptoms of meningitis can include:

-Fever

-Severe headache

- Vomiting

-Rapid breathing

-Cold hands and feet

-Drowsiness

-A rash that doesn’t fade when pressure is applied.

The HSE is urging people not to wait for a rash to appear in a suspected case and to seek medical help immediately if symptoms suggest meningitis.

The HSE confirmed it is in regular contact with the UK Health Security Agency, as they continue to investigate a serious meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent.

Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health, said: “There is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in Ireland beyond expected seasonal and background levels.

“There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent.”

According to the HSE, so far in 2026 there have been 12 cases of meningitis reported in Ireland with no deaths reported. Of the 12 cases, nine were Serogroup B.

Last year there were 60 meningococcal cases reported in Ireland, of which 38 were Serogroup B cases.

In 2024, 66 cases were reported with 42 of those cases reported as Serogroup B.

“Routine surveillance in Ireland continues to show that meningococcal disease remains a rare but serious infection, with sporadic cases occurring each year,” added Dr Cuddihy.