A Co Louth child has died from meningitis caused by the bacterium haemophilus influenzae, the Health Service Executive confirmed this evening.
The child died abroad several days after he had been seen at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
The meningitis resulted from haemophilus influenza Group B (HiB) septicaemia.
Yesterday, The Irish Timesreported that a number of children had developed this type of meningitis, despite having been vaccinated against the disease.
Three children under the age of four have been hospitalised with haemophilus meningitis this year.
A vaccine against this strain is included in the 5 in 1 immunisation given to all children.
Yesterday, the HSE announced it had approved plans to offer the catch-up booster vaccine to further protect children aged between six months and four years against this type of infection. The recommendation was made in early July by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.