Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) can affect anyone at any time, however babies and young children are most at risk. Meningitis can strike unexpectedly and the speed at which people become ill and the dramatic and sometimes devastating course of events, make meningitis and septicaemia alarming diseases. 

The Facts

• Every year, 3,000 cases of the disease are reported in the UK alone, however experts believe that this is just half of the true number of cases.

• Over 50% of these cases occur in children under 5, who are regarded as an ‘at risk’ group for the disease.

• It kills more children than any other infectious disease in the UK.

• 10% of all cases will result in death.

• 15% of those who survive will be left with devastating after-effects including brain damage, loss of hearing and sight, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs.

• Others could be left with ‘invisible’ after-effects including loss of memory and concentration, behavioral problems, piercing headaches and joint pain. These effects can be lifelong.

• Recent research indicates that as many as 500,000 people living in the UK today have had meningitis

• And up to 10 million adults in the UK personally know of someone who has contracted meningitis

• There is still no vaccine available to protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, the most common cause of meningitis.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The most common germs that cause meningitis are viruses and bacteria.

These germs usually live harmlessly in the back of the throat. Most of us will carry them at some stage in our lives without becoming ill, and they help us build up natural immunity (protection against the disease). Occasionally, these germs get past the body’s defenses and cause infection. They are passed from person to person through coughing and sneezing, but they will rarely cause disease.

There are two different types of meningitis, which are;

Viral meningitis - rarely life-threatening, although it can make people very unwell. Most people make a full recovery, but sufferers can be left with after-effects such as headaches, tiredness and memory loss.

Bacterial meningitis - can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical attention. Most people who suffer from bacterial meningitis recover, but many can be left with a variety of after-effects and one in 10 will die.

After-effects

After-effects and complications can happen with any type of meningitis, but are more common after bacterial meningitis. The length and severity of after-effects varies from one individual to another.

After-effects can include;

• Loss of hearing

• Loss of vision

• Epilepsy

• Severe brain damage

• Speech problems

• Memory loss and concentration problems

• Learning difficulties and behavioural problems

• And where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, loss of digits and limbs, skin damage and organ failure

Signs and symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia are often difficult to recognise. In the early stages, signs and symptoms can be similar to other more common illnesses like flu. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together – be aware of all the signs and symptoms and trust your instincts! If you suspect anything, seek medical help immediately.

Signs and symptoms for babies and toddlers;

Meningitis

• Fever

• Refusing food or vomiting

• Fretful, dislike of being handled

• Pale blotchy skin

• Listless, unresponsive

• Drowsy, difficult to wake

• Unusual high-pitched cry, moaning

Septicaemia

• Fever, cold hands and feet

• Refusing food or vomiting

• Pale blotchy skin

• Spots or rash that does not fade under pressure

• Floppy, listless, unresponsive

• Rapid breathing or grunting

• Drowsy, difficult to wake

What about the rash?

• A rash that does not fade under pressure is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia.

• The rash may begin as a few small spots anywhere on the body and can spread quickly to look like fresh bruises.

• The spots or rash are caused by blood leaking into the tissues under the skin.

• The spots or rash are more difficult to see on darker skin. Look on paler areas of the skin and under the eyelids.

• A fever with spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure is a medical emergency.

The glass test – spots or a rash that do not fade under pressure will still be seen when the side of a clear drinking glass is pressed firmly against the skin.

If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, contact your GP immediately. If your GP is not available, go straight to your nearest accident and emergency.

Who’s at risk?

Meningitis does not discriminate – it can affect anyone, of any age, and any race. As most of the reported cases occur in children under 5, they are considered an ‘at risk’ group. Children and young babies are particularly vulnerable as they cannot easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed.

The Meningitis Trust

As many as 500,000 people living in the UK today have had either viral or bacterial meningitis.  And up to 10 million adults in the UK – one adult in every four – knows of someone who has had the disease. The Meningitis Trust, a registered charity, helps and supports everyone struggling to cope with the impact of meningitis through the following professional free services:

• a freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline - 0800 028 18 28

• counselling

• home visiting

• financial grants to fund special equipment; respite care; therapeutic activities; special training; travel and accommodation costs.

The Meningitis Trust is the UK’s longest established meningitis charity and is completely reliant on voluntary donations to continue its work.

Although meningitis can strike in an instant, its impact can last a lifetime. The impact of the disease spreads much wider than the individual concerned and often families, friends, neighbours and even communities can find themselves left to cope with lifelong changes caused by meningitis.

Protect yourself and those around you

The Meningitis Trust produces a range of awareness information materials, such as a handy credit card sized signs and symptoms card. They are available FREE by calling the Trust’s 24-hour nurse-led freephone helpline on 0800 028 18 28.

Education is key - The Meningitis Trust urges people to talk about meningitis; to children, parents and fellow child-carers. Knowledge can save lives – look out for the symptoms and act quickly if concerned.

Article courtesy of the meningitis trust http://www.meningitis-trust.org/