The Meningitis Research Foundation has urged people to watch out for symptoms.
“Our thoughts are with the patients and their families at this difficult time,” said the charity’s medical information officer Caroline O’Connor.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord while septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease.
They share many of the symptoms of other more common everyday illnesses such as flu or even a hangover. Cases peak in winter time.
To get more information visitwww.meningitis.org or call the charity on 01 819 6931 or Freefone helpline on 1800 41 33 44.