Spot Meningitis Symptoms - Life saving information by SMS
08 December 2008
Leading national charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is launching the country's first text message service for meningitis symptoms.
Using mobile phones to engage with the most at-risk groups - teenagers, young adults and under-fives through their parents - the SMS service will ensure that no time is lost in diagnosing the disease.
Meningitis and the blood poisoning form of the disease - septicaemia - can kill and disable in hours, but the earlier the diseases are spotted and treatment is given, the better the chances of recovery.
With the numbers of cases of the life-threatening bacterial disease reaching their height during the winter months the launch of the new service is also timely.
MRF Member Andrea Jenkinson can confirm the importance of knowing the symptoms: "If it hadn't been for the Foundation's symptoms information and the prompt action at A & E, I probably wouldn't be here today to see my daughter growing up. If it had been another 15 minutes the consultant reckoned that organ failure could have resulted from the meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which would have left me in really desperate straits."
Meningitis Research Foundation Chief Executive, Chris Head, commented: "Time is critical when dealing with meningitis and septicaemia. This simple new service will put life-saving information one call away for those who are most vulnerable to the diseases."
To receive symptoms by SMS, text MRF to 82088. This text will be a standard rate text. MRF will not charge you for the video but data charges from your operator will apply.
View the SMS video
Media Contact: Adrian Robson 01454 281811 or 07711 057875
Notes to Editor:
- Meningitis Research Foundation currently funds 22 research projects. Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 122 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is over £13.5 million.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation's world-renowned website - www.meningitis.org - in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24 hour helpline.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever; vomiting; severe headache; rash (not present in all cases); stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Fever; vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain (sometimes stomach pain/diarrhoea); pale or mottled skin; cold hands and feet; shivering; breathing fast/breathless; rash (anywhere on the body); very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious.
Other symptoms in babies include:
Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.