HPA: Be on the alert for meningitis this winter

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is advising parents, teachers and family doctors and their staff to be on the alert for signs of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia as winter approaches.

Meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) are caused by the bacterium meningococcus. Anyone can be affected by these diseases, but most cases are recorded in children under the age of four.

Teenagers and young adults are also vulnerable and cases are often recorded in universities and further education colleges.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: “Meningococcal infection is comparatively rare, but we tend to see more cases in the winter months so everyone should be aware of the most common symptoms and be prepared to take urgent action if it is suspected.

“If parents or guardians suspect that a child has meningitis, they should call the doctor immediately or take the patient to the nearest accident and emergency unit as it is important to get the patient into treatment quickly. If in doubt, they should ring NHS Direct for advice.”

Meningococcal disease is not always easy to detect. Symptoms, which are not always present, include:

• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (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 (photophobia)
• 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.