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Meningitis summer warning
21 June 2006
On average there are eight cases of meningitis and septicaemia every day in the UK, half of them in the under-fives.
Many people think that meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease - only occur during winter, but they can strike anyone, of any age, at any time of the year, so people need to continue to be on guard during the summer months.
With one in ten people dying as a result, and many more left with serious disabilities such as deafness, brain damage and amputations, Meningitis Research Foundation is warning people against becoming complacent about the diseases.
Vaccines provide excellent protection against meningitis and septicaemia, but they cannot prevent all forms, so it is vital that everyone knows the symptoms.
Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive Denise Vaughan commented: "Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which within just a few hours can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life. Knowing the symptoms and acting fast will save lives."
Call the Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline to request FREE symptoms information.