With students returning home over Easter break, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting it as an opportunity to make them aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to check that they have had their MenACWY vaccination. There is no increased risk to the population in Northern Ireland from the meningococcal disease outbreak recently reported in Kent, England. However, this incident highlights that it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and the steps to take if they are concerned, in addition to getting vaccinated against the strains

A man who discovered he had a potentially life-threatening condition after he went for screening has urged other men who are eligible to get the check when they are invited. Tom Martin from Helen’s Bay found out he had a small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) after attending for screening shortly after turning 65. Initially he was unsure about going until his wife convinced him it was extremely important. Tom said: “Get the letter and go! I would actively encourage men over 65, once they get the letter inviting them for screening to go. You’ve nothing to lose, and everything to gain. “One of

On World TB Day (Tuesday 24 March), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) as a greater recognition of the these can help prevent future cases. There were 81 cases of active TB notified to the PHA in 2025, a decrease from 87 cases in 2024. This compares with 78 cases reported in 2023 and 69 in 2022. Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “TB remains an important global and local public health issue, but with effective treatment, TB can be a curable condition. World TB Day is an opportunity to raise public

Regionally consistent guidance has been published to assist midwives, health visitors, school nurses and family nurses to identify and respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The Routine Enquiry into Domestic Abuse Guidance was jointly launched ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March by both Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long. Routine Enquiry (RE) involves asking all women about domestic abuse, regardless of the presence of any indicators, and has been offered in pregnancy and postnatally by healthcare practitioners since 2006. It aims to identify women with

Following notification on 17 March 2026 of a probable case of meningitis in a pupil at a Belfast school, meningococcal disease has now been ruled out. No further actions are required from pupils, friends, or anyone who may have had contact with the individual. All appropriate public health actions have been completed. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F); being sick; a headache; a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop); a stiff neck; a dislike of bright lights; drowsiness or