Three new cases of meningitis were recorded by the Eastern Health Board last week, bringing the total number of cases of meningococcal meningitis in the area this year to 65.
The three cases all involve children one four year old and two one year olds.
Nationally, there have been 14 fatalities from meningitis so afar this year, one fewer than the total number in 1996. Of the 14 deaths, eight were in the Eastern Health Board region. The EHB has also recorded nine cases of bacterial meningitis, one of which was fatal.
There have been almost 170 meningitis cases in total so far this year. Last year, the EHB recorded 145 cases, of which six were fatal.
While the total number of deaths nationally caused by meningitis has already almost exceeded last year's figure, Dr Brian O'Herlihy, the EHB's director of public health, pointed out that all of the deaths, recorded in the region in 1996 occurred in the first four months of the year.
He said an increased incidence of the disease could be expected in winter and early spring and could follow closely on an increased incidence of viral infections in the community, which could cause a weakening of the immune system.
About 10 per cent of the population carry the meningitis, bacteria in their nose and throat, which can be passed on to others through coughing, sneezing or intimate kissing and, in a small number of cases, may result in infection.