MRF dispels Summer myth

02 August 2010

National charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is endeavouring to dispel a meningitis myth to raise awareness of the disease and help save lives this summer.

Many people believe meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease - can only be contracted during the winter months, when people are more susceptible to illness, however these diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time.

MRF is encouraging people in the area to familiarise themselves with information and advice on how to spot symptoms, as cases of viral meningitis known to peak during periods of hot weather. Whilst viral meningitis is almost never life threatening it is very unpleasant and can have long-lasting after-effects.

Both meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first and symptoms can appear in any order, however shared symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many other illnesses.

Serious symptoms of meningitis can include a rash - which is not present in all cases - neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, seizures and being very sleepy or difficult to wake. Red flag symptoms of septicaemia include pale or mottled skin, cold hands and feet, and muscle pain.

The consequences of meningitis can be devastating with one in ten dying and many more being left with a range of disabilities and after effects that dramatically alter their lives, such as hearing loss, amputations and neurological damage.

Christopher Head, the Foundation’s Chief Executive, said: “Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours of the first symptoms. Don’t be complacent during the summer months, knowing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives.”

The Foundation estimates that there are around 3,500 cases in the UK and Ireland every year. About half of those cases are in babies and children and more than half are MenB (Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia). Despite encouraging signs, a possible MenB vaccination is still a number of years away.

Call the Foundation’s Freefone 24 hour helpline on 080 8800 3344 to request a FREE B Aware symptoms pack.