Naas child being treated for meningitis is a school pupil, according to research group

A Naas child being treated for meningitis is of school-going age, the Meningitis Research Foundation said.

The current condition of the child is unknown at this stage.

The hospital where the young patient is being treated is also unknown - but it's not Naas General Hospital.

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), which works to raise awareness of the life-threatening condition, said it was informed of the latest case through its helpline.

The MRF's medical information officer Caroline O'Connor told KildareNow: "We learnt via a call to our helpline that a young school child from Naas is currently undergoing treatment in hospital for meningococcal meningitis." She added: "The hospital and condition of the child is unknown."

The MRF said meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord while septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease.

The spokeswoman said: "The conditions can occur together or separately and share many of the symptoms of other, more common, everyday illnesses such as the flu.

"As a result it is vital that people are able to recognise the signs and symptoms, particularly the symptoms that are more unique to this devastating disease as early diagnosis and treatment help to save lives."