A baby in Monaghan has died of suspected meningitis, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed.
It is believed the child was 14 months old.
In a statement, the HSE said it had been notified that the child had died from suspected meningococcal disease and that investigations and follow-up measures are being taken by public health doctors.
The HSE urged parents, especially those with small children, to be aware of the symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicaemia infection.
"These include fever, stomach muscle or joint pain, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet and a rash which characteristically does not fade when a glass is pressed against the skin," the HSE said.
"In addition to these symptoms, small babies may have a tense or bulging fontanelle, blotching or pale skin, refusal to feed, fretfulness or shrill cry and body stiffness or floppiness."
The HSE urged people to seek medical help immediately if concerned about such symptoms in an adult or child.
