Know the signs for meningococcal disease, says HPA

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The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is informing people of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection. The advice is being issued after figures show that the North West region has consistently had the highest number of cases of meningococcal infection in England and Wales over the last ten years.

Every year, cases of meningococcal disease peak during the winter months as many people fighting common complaints such as cold and ‘flu have a weakened immune system. Other risk factors include passive smoking and overcrowding.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director of the Health Protection Agency in the North West said: “Meningococcal disease is not always easy to detect, but we are keen to ensure that everyone should have a basic knowledge of the signs to look out for and be prepared to take urgent action when they recognise them.

“If they suspect someone has the disease, they should call the doctor immediately, or if they are unavailable, take the patient to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.”

Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). Common early symptoms of meningococcal disease include: 

• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (known as the tumbler test) due to bleeding under the skin
• Sudden onset of high fever
• A severe and worsening headache (without any other obvious cause)
• Severe neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet 
• Drowsiness that can deteriorate into a fever 

Babies with meningococcal disease tend to be irritable when picked up and have a high-pitched cry, stiff body and jerking movements.

Prof Syed added: “Sometimes these symptoms are not visible, particularly in babies and very young children. So if a baby is obviously ill or distressed, parents should seek medical help immediately. It is never worth taking a chance with a child’s health.”

For further information on meningococcal infection, contact:

• The Meningitis Trust on 0800-028-1828, or
• Meningitis Research Foundation on 0808-800-3344, or www.meningitis.org
• For details of Meningitis UK visit www.meningitisuk.org  or
• NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse advice and health information service on 0845-4647